The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy

In Hattemer's smart, provocative, and highly entertaining debut, a group of friends rage against the reality-TV machine that has descended on their prestigious Minnesota arts high school. To say that Hattemer perfectly spoofs competition-based reality shows isn't quite right%E2%80%94from the manipulative "frankenbiting" editing to the For Art's Sake judges' sendoff catchphrase to eliminated contestants ("THAT WASN'T ART!"), the details are almost too spot-on for parody. Narration comes from junior Ethan Andrezejczak, a decently talented visual artist whose devotion to a hamster named Baconnaise, chaotically loving relationship with his triplet younger sisters, and appreciation for literary forms and devices add depth and humor to a story that's already full of meaty material as it explores the creation and corruption of art. As Ethan and his quick-witted friends use poetry to campaign against For Art's Sake (and some breaking and entering to investigate whether the show is on the up and up), readers are treated to a sharply funny account of how people can fall short (and come through), and how art can make a difference. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. Agent: Uwe Stender, TriadaUS Literary Agency. (Apr.)