You Don’t Live Here

What would have happened to Rory Gilmore if Lorelei had suddenly died? When Sasha’s single mother dies in a California earthquake in this Gilmore Girls–tinged novel, she moves to Orange County to reside with her posh, conservative grandparents. Alienated, grieving, and used to getting along by pretending to be invisible, closeted Sasha starts her junior year by falling in with some popular kids, then discovers their shallowness. As she makes real friends, her feelings deepen for one: Lily. Sasha wants to join the art club that Lily’s in; her grandparents want her to do mock trial and date their friend’s grandson, Cole. Eventually Sasha realizes that she has to come out to herself and the people around her, not just as queer, but as an artist and a person who wants more than to just get along. Schneider (Invisible Ghosts) relies on well-known plot arcs, and her protagonist’s constant reflection can slacken the pace, but quietly funny Sasha is likable, and it’s satisfying to see her come into her own, romantically and otherwise. Ages 13–up. [em]Agent: Merrilee Heifetz, Writers House. (June) [/em]