June 1, 2009
Grades 9-12 Stevenson creates a compelling portrait of autonomy vs. conformity. Sixteen-year-old Dantemoves from the city to the suburbs, where she finds that the stolid sameness of suburban life, especially school, is stifling. The lone bright spot is her closeted relationship with Beth, a fellow runner. When Beth moves away and severs all ties, Dante is desolate until she meets Parker, a fascinating high-school dropout who lives with her boyfriend and spends her free time trying to encourage students to think outside the box. Dante wants to be accepted by Parker and her equally countercultural friends, but ultimately must decide where and how to set boundaries, especially when Parkers abusive boyfriend proposes setting fire to the school. Rich, well-developed characterization and Dantes wry, self-aware narrative balance the heavy-handed symbolism. Dantes sexuality is refreshingly not a problem, just a fact of life. Readers will recognize themselves and many of their peers in Stevensons complex, likable characters.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)