Fireworks

Dana Cartwright lives in the shadow of her talented best friend Olivia until she is unexpectedly chosen to join a new girl group, Daisy Chain, alongside Olivia. Jealousies and tension, romantic and otherwise, grow between the two girls, even as they try to maintain a sense of normalcy. The lack of cohesion onstage and off between the members of Daisy Chain threatens to undermine the band, and when its producer pits Dana and Olivia against each other, their friendship suffers even more. Cotugno (99 Days) follows a mostly predictable script of interpersonal dramas, set against the backdrop of the competitive world of pop stardom. Initially, Dana is the weakest link in Daisy Chain, but hard work and growing self-confidence get her noticed and propel her into the spotlight. As an interest develops between Dana and Alex—the boy Olivia likes—their secret romance further threatens her relationship with Olivia. Olivia’s struggle with an eating disorder aside, Cotugno’s coming-of-age novel mostly keeps it light as it explores the breakdown of friendship and the lure of fame. Ages 13– up. Agency: Alloy Entertainment. (Apr.)