Wandering Wild

Tal and her younger brother, Wen, are Roma-esque "Wanderers," moving between towns with a caravan of families and subsisting on the scams run on "markies." With 16-year-old Tal as the "compass" directing their movements, they have stayed out of trouble, even as their leader's son, Lando, is tightening the group's reins. Though Tal couldn't imagine leaving the Wanderer life, she knows that Wen is tired of roaming, and she cannot ignore the distance between herself and best friend Sonia or the impending arranged marriage between herself and a boy from another caravan. When Tal meets Spencer, a college-bound markie who recognizes her game, she must decide if he is worth staying in one place for, and what it will take to free herself from Lando's control. Taylor's debut novel is spiritedly paced, with tension increasing as Tal is pulled between her Wanderer identity and her romance with Spencer. Lively characters showcase the lore and traditions within the group, including the Spirit of the Falconer they believe protects them, as Tal is forced to make a decision that will affect all in her path. Ages 14%E2%80%93up. (May)