(2) YA Equal parts high-stakes adventure and introspective teen drama, Levy's (The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher, rev. 9/14, and other middle-grade novels) YA debut is an examination of a commercialized natural world and the burden of unchecked expectations. In fast-paced, alternating first-person chapters, readers follow two teenaged best friends as they attempt to summit Mount Everest. Tate, unfocused and brash, is (to his chagrin) known as the "Master of Disaster," while Rose is calculated and driven. Though both protagonists are seasoned climbers, their ascent becomes increasingly complicated--most notably by Tate's debilitating PTSD after a recent fall, Rose's nonstop fear (identified as "the Dread") for her sick mother, and the normally platonic pair's burgeoning sexual relationship. A large cast of secondary characters weaves in and out of the story, providing effective springboards to address issues such as racism, sexism, labor exploitation, and mental health. A confluence of events at the novel's climax pushes Tate and Rose apart and past their preconceived limits, with tragic results that call into question the ethics of their once-shared goal. A hopeful epilogue narrated by Tate balances out the harrowing conclusion; back matter includes information about the Sherpa people and an author's note with further reading.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(2) YA Afro–Puerto Rican teen Beatriz is torn between her desire to dance and her blood and chosen families in mid-1980s New Jersey. When the TV show Fame announces a casting call, she tries to balance "gang life" (chosen family) with her "dance life." Will she follow her dreams? Charles ([cf2Like Vanessa) presents a strong, smart, and sometimes snarky teenager whose family has developed mechanisms of survival in the face of abuse and injustice.

Reviewer: Sujei Lugo | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2019

(2) YA This heartfelt biography traces Ballets Russes star/choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky's (1890–1950) trajectory from lonesome childhood through his 1909 Paris debut and ensuing mega-stardom to his diagnosis of schizophrenia and institutionalization. Curlee sensitively explores Nijinsky's contradictions, including as a magnetic performer with little social grace and as a sex symbol tormented by his own sexual desires. The beautifully designed volume includes Curlee's striking jewel-toned portraits and archival photographs. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(3) YA Necromancer's Song series. While on an espionage mission in a rival nation, Naya is murdered--then resurrected and once again tasked with spying for her homeland. She must cope with her new existence while navigating political intrigue and her feelings for fellow wraith Corten. This is a compelling blend of dark fantasy, spy thriller, and romance, with necromantic magic at the center of both the large-scale ideological conflict and the protagonist's own story.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(2) YA Leo's older brother, Caleb, has autism, epilepsy, and some developmental disabilities and has recently become physically aggressive. Leo, running away from Caleb out of necessity, finds a hidden talent and joins the high school cross-country and track teams. New friends help him maintain balance amidst the chaos. Leo's complicated relationship with Caleb and the suspenseful track races are the novel's strengths; the story ultimately takes a tragic turn.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2017