Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe

Soon after being crowned queen of the Mistletoe Ball, high school junior Chloe Camden is snubbed by her fellow A-listers due to rumors spread by her ex–best friend. But that isn’t Chloe’s only problem. Fights between her mother and independent-minded grandmother have escalated, and Chloe’s school counselor wants her to join the staff of KDRS, the school’s flailing radio station. Instead of wallowing in her misery, outspoken, energetic Chloe goes into high gear, frantically trying to mend the broken parts of her life. She throws her heart into saving the radio station, and when she learns to “shut up and listen” as the host of a new radio talk show, she gains significant insight into her own shortcomings and the struggles of her peers, whose lives are just as complicated and painful as her own. Debut novelist Coriell shows sparkling wit and great skill in creating complex characters with memorable personalities. Chloe’s emotional growth is believable, and her attraction to a quiet, mysterious boy at the radio station adds spice and tension to the story. Ages 14–up. Agent: Jill Corcoran, the Herman Agency. (May)