The It Chicks

When Tangie arrives at Armstrong, a New York City performing and creative arts school, the young dancer is instantly embroiled in drama. Because she and C.J. (with whom she has a "soul-mate thing") are not speaking after a fight, she makes a new friend whom everyone at school is gossiping about, and she catches the eye of a hot senior dancer who wants to keep their relationship quiet. Readers will meet a host of characters in this over-the-top but fun book about a group of artistic teens striving to make a name for themselves. There is plenty of turmoil to get swept up in, from beautiful Eden's dangerous relationship with the "sexiest rapper alive... [who] boasted a criminal record that would make 50 Cent blush," to the many rumors about Tangie's new friend Izzy. The book contains some fairly mature material, from drug dealing and use to descriptions of sex acts that are, as Eden says, "um, out there." But the writing and dialogue is lively ("I mean, fine, you can hate me—I ain't that happy with you right now either—but it's just retarded not to talk"), and readers, especially those hoping to one day attend a school for performing arts, will appreciate details about the school's curriculum. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)