Take a Bow

Fans of the musical Fame will be intrigued by this book that goes inside the walls of a prestigious, fictitious New York City performing arts high school. Eulberg (The Lonely Hearts Club) rotates among the perspectives of four promising students: Carter, a childhood star turned teen idol who is having second thoughts about his acting career; Sophie, his wannabe-diva girlfriend who basks in his limelight; Sophie’s longtime friend, Emme, a talented songwriter living in Sophie’s shadow; and Ethan, another skilled composition student, whose unrequited love for Emme has led him to make some bad decisions. The author sustains dramatic tension as she explores how her protagonists’ relationships and dreams for the future evolve during their high-pressure senior year. As the students prepare for final auditions, there are expected instances of sabotage and betrayal, but the cutthroat competitiveness is balanced by quiet, thoughtful moments of soul-searching regarding stardom, the creative process, and doing and sharing what they love. Readers who love seeing underdogs come out ahead will be delighted with the conclusion. Ages 12–18. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Apr.)