THE FALLING GIRLS

High school junior Shade joins the cheerleading team so she can fly, and despite the turmoil that threatens to bring her down, she does.

Social outsiders Shade Meyer and best friend Jadis Braff are so tight, they can’t tell where one begins and the other ends. But one thing they don’t agree on is cheer: Jadis doesn’t get why Shade wants to attend pep rallies to watch the cheerleaders, but former gymnast Shade wants to share in their glory. Unable to resist the pull, she joins the squad, which is led by a trio of Chloes. Of the three, it is Chloe Orbach who really reigns, sparking a rivalry with Chloe Schmidt. Tensions between the girls heighten when Chloe Orbach takes Shade under her wing, signaling changes in long-standing relationships. Things come to a head at the homecoming dance when Chloe Orbach overdoses and dies. Who gave her the lethal dose? High school drama, cliques, jealousy, obsession, the power of friendship, and the toxicity of codependence are explored with sensitivity. This is all balanced seamlessly against family dynamics, making for an unusually complex story. Shade must struggle with her suspicions about Jadis’ possible involvement in Chloe Orbach’s death before she can determine the real culprit. When she finally sees past the irrelevant details, Shade finds herself on solid footing, ready to launch herself independently into the world. Everything ties up rather neatly but gratifyingly so. Main characters default to White.

Engrossing.