Another engaging series installment despite an ending that strains credulity.
An out-of-control teenage pop star’s shameful secret threatens her mega-success in Kwasniewski’s latest YA series entry.
In Books 1 and 2 of this dynamic, character-driven series—Rising Star (2020) and Burning Bright (2021)—the author delivered evocative narratives about aspiring teen pop star Dani Truehart’s meteoric success, which focused on her impressive musical gifts; her supportive agent/producer Jenner Redman; her mentor, a former boy-band star named Martin Fox; and her toxic, manipulative mother, Jodi Truehart. Burning Bright realistically upped the emotional stakes as Dani became a global phenomenon; the rewards and pressures of fame led the then-16-year-old to serious errors in judgment, estrangement from her peers, alcohol abuse, and an act of betrayal. In this third installment, the author amplifies the teen pop star’s self-destructive, fame-fed narcissism, boyfriend angst, and resistance to being controlled. It’s eminently readable even as Dani becomes less likable. She’s shown to be aware of the hurt she causes—even to the supposed love of her life and her best friend—but she brushes it aside with self-justification and eye-rolling snark. She’s shielded from the serious consequences of a drunken car crash by her increasingly disillusioned mentor, her self-sacrificing agent (who, to Dani’s guilty relief, takes the rap for her), and by Perish Jones, a high-powered fixer to the stars, whose image suggestions are a contrast, Dani thinks, to her mentor’s concerns about “morals and responsibility, honesty, and blah, blah, blah.” Interspersed fan reactions on social media and a scandalmongering reporter’s online entries lend the story a feeling of authenticity. However, when Dani’s lies and acquiescence to the coverup come back to haunt her, her redemption arc feels disappointing. Another character’s transformation after a “few weeks” of self-analysis also feels off—even to Dani. As in previous books, though, the author’s background in film and TV as a set assistant and production manager gives readers a vivid insider’s view of Dani’s life, including details of makeup, costumes, choreography, set design, and lighting.
Another engaging series installment despite an ending that strains credulity.Pub Date: March 28, 2023
ISBN: 9781950544363
Page Count: 306
Publisher: Rand-Smith LLC
Review Posted Online: April 26, 2023
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Exactly what the title promises.
A grieving teen’s devotion to romance films might ruin her chances at actual romance.
Liz Buxbaum has always adored rom-coms, not least for helping her still feel close to her screenwriter mother, who died when she was little. Liz hopes that her senior year might turn into a real-life romantic fantasy, as an old crush has moved back to town, cuter and nicer than ever. Surely she can get Michael to ask her to prom. If only Wes, the annoying boy next door, would help her with her scheming! This charming, fluffy concoction manages to pack into one goofy plot every conceivable trope, from fake dating to the makeover to the big misunderstanding. Creative, quirky, daydreaming Liz is just shy of an annoying stereotype, saved by a dry wit and unresolved grief and anger. Wes makes for a delightful bad boy with a good heart, and supporting characters—including a sassy best friend, a perfect popular rival, even a (not really) evil stepmother—all get the opportunity to transcend their roles. The only villain here is Liz’s lovelorn imagination, provoking her into foolish lies that cause actual hurt feelings; but she is sufficiently self-aware to make amends just in time for the most important trope of all: a blissfully happy ending. All characters seem to be White by default.
Exactly what the title promises. (Romance. 12-18)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5344-6762-0
Page Count: 368
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Feb. 22, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK TO SCREEN
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away.
A Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart.
Mateo’s life is turned upside down the day U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up unsuccessfully seeking his Pa at his New York City bodega. The Garcias live in fear until the day both parents are picked up; his Pa is taken to jail and his Ma to a detention center. The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year—that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor. Mateo’s relationships with his friends Kimmie and Adam (a potential love interest) also suffer repercussions as he keeps his situation a secret. Kimmie is half Korean (her other half is unspecified) and Adam is Italian American; Mateo feels disconnected from them, less American, and with worries they can’t understand. He talks himself out of choosing a safer course of action, a decision that deepens the story. Mateo’s self-awareness and inner monologue at times make him seem older than 16, and, with significant turmoil in the main plot, some side elements feel underdeveloped. Aleman’s narrative joins the ranks of heart-wrenching stories of migrant families who have been separated.
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-7595-5605-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 22, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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