Rockoholic

Skuse (Pretty Bad Things) returns with a raucous story of romance, rock music, and accidental kidnapping. Sixteen-year-old Jody is crushed when her wild, ex-rocker grandfather dies, but she’s determined to follow his parting advice: “Don’t Dream It, Be It.” Jody focuses her energies on meeting her favorite American rock star, Jackson Gatlin; when Jackson comes to the U.K. on tour, she has a chance run-in with him and offers him a candy bar—which he mistakes for a knife. Jody goes along with the misunderstanding and, with the reluctant help of her best friend Mac, brings Jackson to her home in Nuffing-on-the-Wold. As the search for Jackson intensifies, Jody is shocked when the strung-out, burnt-out prima donna refuses to leave. Jody’s wisecracking narration and impulsive (but good) nature is entertaining, as is her turbulent friendship with Mac, who she assumes is gay, but who is blatantly in love with her. As comical as it is unlikely, Skuse’s story shines a light on the pressures of fame and the process of seeing oneself from a new angle. Ages 14–18. (Nov.)