CHANNELING MARILYN

A shy high schooler struggling to break out of her shell receives unexpected help from a ghostly presence in Tipper’s YA novel.

Lexa Donovan mostly spends her days trying to be invisible—a difficult task for a tall, “solid” high school senior. Used to working backstage, Lexa is shocked when she’s cast as the sexy showgirl Cherie in her school’s spring performance of Bus Stop, a role made famous on film by none other than Marilyn Monroe. As Lexa prepares to decline the part, she impulsively wishes on a falling star—and is greeted by the ghost of Marilyn, who acts as her mentor. Lexa’s life spins into turmoil as she juggles a crush on her popular co-star, Brian, becomes increasingly intrigued by new student Jeremy, and prepares for a role that terrifies her with the help of a long-dead celebrity. As Marilyn encourages Lexa to branch out (and occasionally inhabits her body), the star becomes increasingly agitated by her ghostly confines. As everything begins to unravel, it appears that the play—and Lexa’s life—may be barreling toward disaster. Tipper has crafted a warm and empathetic story that deftly balances the fantastical presence of Marilyn Monroe’s ghost with the hyperrealistic feelings of uncertainty and self-loathing that can accompany one’s high school years: “[Lexa] snatched back her trembling hand, read her final line, hating how her voice sounded—tiny and powdery.” While Marilyn’s babyish dialogue grows a bit stale (“‘Oopsie,’ she whis­pered, ‘I guess I got carried away. I couldn’t help it, sugar’”), and the narrative arguably leans into the actress’ long-stereotyped public persona, the interactions between Marilyn and Lexa evolve into a heartwarming camaraderie as both share their secret wishes and longings (such as Lexa’s desire to postpone college). A feel-good, if predictable, ending caps off a delightfully inventive story about growing up.

A playful supernatural coming-of-age tale with an impressive undercurrent of real heart.