Change Places with Me

One morning in 2029, Rose wakes up feeling different. Instead of carrying the weight of sadness spurred by tragedies in her life, she is happy. Instead of avoiding people, she wants to talk and actually acts friendly toward her stepmother and classmates she has ignored in the past. Rose doesn't know why her mood has transformed, but it seems to involve a cloud of red light and a vague memory of a short-haired girl. In this psychological drama, Metzger (A Trick of the Light) creates a world only slightly altered by time to express what happens when one vulnerable teen's desire to be someone else comes true. The troubles Rose faces, as she tries to comprehend what has happened to her and whether it matters if her newfound happiness is real, relate to ethical questions about scientific advancements and psychological treatments. Whether or not readers agree with the decisions Rose makes, they may be inspired to examine how their own emotions affect their perception of the world. Ages 14%E2%80%93up. Agent: Susan Cohen, Writers House. (June)