Hopepunk by Preston Norton

Hope's sister Faith runs away after being outed to their extremely religious parents. The threat of being sent to a 'conversion camp' is enough to make her leave everything behind. Hope is devastated. Faith was her best friend. They shared everything. Hope knew her sister was gay years before anyone else. 

I thought this story was going to be about finding the lost sister, but is so much more than that. Faith's sudden disappearance is just the catalyst for all that happens after. Maybe losing Faith was just what was needed for Hope, her family, and their community. 

Just a quick rundown of things happening is this book: Hope is introduced to rock music and finds her voice. Hope's other sister Charity becomes more stringent in her religious/conservative beliefs causing a bigger rift between the sisters. Danny, identical twin and amazing guitar player, is kicked out of his brother's band and his house when he comes out. Hope who has been crushing on Danny for a long time befriends him and gives him shelter. Angus and Astrid become close friends with Danny and Hope to form a band (Oops, I may be giving too much away). Anyway, lots of heartache and soul searching for so many characters. 

And as a bonus, there is a sci-fi story thrown in throughout the book. It's good, too. 

This is the third book in a row I have read that has dealt with major social issues brought to the forefront in the last few years. I am glad authors are tackling these issues and presenting them for young people. Today, we are seeing in plan view a large number of people that are selfish, cruel, racist, homophobic, and misogynistic.  We need books like this, and we need to make sure they are available to teens. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog. 

Battle of the Bands by Various Authors

One event, sixteen different stories. Who will win the battle of the bands? Will a group implode before it takes the stage? Will stage fright get the better of someone? Will romantic entanglements cause problems? Will someone rise above it all and become a star? 

Most stories are about the performers as they prepare to go onstage and also as they take their place in the spotlight. There are rehearsals, arguments, egos, broken hearts, and magic played through different types of music made by a variety of young people. 

A few stories explore others involved - a reluctant judge, for example. All are intertwined with the others. Some characters appear in several stories. 

I applaud the editor and authors for creating a cohesive set of stories that could have easily been uneven in the tone. I enjoyed the perspective of the same event given by such diverse authors.  

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog. 
 

Take Three Girls by Cate Crowley, Simmone Howell & Fiona Wood

I like to read books about strong women who are ready and willing to stand up for themselves and take down a system that degrades them. That is what I was expecting from this book. Three girls attending a private school work to expose those behind an anonymous website that posts the most misogynistic and sexist things about girl students. As it turns out, that is only one small part of the story. It is so much more about these three girls growing and learning about themselves. 

As I read, I waited for the takedown of the website to begin, but instead I learned more about the girls. I kept thinking what amazing character development. Over time, I realized this story was not being driven by the plot device of the offensive website, but by the characters. Really good stuff. 

So the girls: Kate wants to play cello professionally, but is torn between the pre-med path her parents want her to take. Clem is a swim champ who is not sure she wants to swim anymore. Besides, there is this older guy she is really into even though he may not be that great.  Ady is considered a bitch at school - very cool and confident. At home though, things are falling apart. It is only through a school assignment that these young women are brought together. 

Each girl is written by a different author which is just another incredible aspect of this book. The characters have much more depth than the average book for teens. I feel like this one will slip by people so I hope you take the opportunity to read it.  

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog. 

 

Super Fake Love Song by David Yoon

Have you heard this before? A guy wants to impress a girl so he makes up something about himself knowing he cannot keep lying to her forever. If he is successful, it will all fall apart. The plot has been done before many, many times. What sustains this one is the humor and likeable characters. 

Sunny Dae tells the new girl in school, Cirrus Soh, that he is in a rock band. How does a self proclaimed nerd who posts videos on how to make cosplay accessories end up in such a lie? Sunny has a older brother (Gray) who is in a band. Cirrus assumes Gray's room (full of posters, guitars and cool clothes) is Sunny's. And since she seems excited about guys in bands, he goes with it. 

Sunny also tells Cirrus that he and his band will be playing in a contest soon. The band will have to be his two best friends (and fellow video makers) who now also part of the big lie. They are not happy about it, but support their best friend even when he is headed for disaster. 

It is no spoiler to say that Cirrus eventually finds out the truth. It is just a matter of when, and also how she reacts. Which I am not revealing here. 

In addition to the humor, I like this story for its positive portrayal of friendships and exploration of the brothers' relationship. Sunny's two friends are there for him through it all. They disagree and argue, and frankly, Sunny treats them badly for his own personal gain. But ultimately, they stick with each other. Sunny's brother is different story. Sunny idolizes his brother and wants them to be closer, but Gray is not a willing participant. It is the rockiest relationship in the book. 

This story could easily have turned into a wacky series of misunderstandings, but it strives (and attains) much more than that. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library's catalog and the author's site. 

 

All Your Twisted Secrets by Diana Urban

Six teens locked in one room for one hour. One of them must die or everyone will be killed. Is it real? Do they really have to choose one of them so the others may live? How will these three girls and three boys ever get out of this nightmare? 

So who are they...

Amber (our narrator) wants to compose movie soundtracks. She is desperate to find a way into USC's music program. Since she started high school, Amber has been trying to be herself without being known as the sister of the girl who killed herself.

Robbie is a popular athlete. He dreams of going to Georgia Tech to play baseball just like his brothers. Robbie's father has never given him the attention and respect he gave his other successful ball playing sons. Robbie wants to make it on his own to prove his worth. 

Diego is smart. He invented a color changing sponge that has sold well enough to make him a millionaire. To do that, his dad left the company he started with Amber's father causing Amber's family to suffer financially. 

Sasha is the top of the popularity pyramid at school. She wants to go to Harvard, so she involves herself in every activity and is usually in charge of them. Sasha is ambitious and ruthless, but her friends are loyal even when they are on the receiving end of her wrath. 

Priya was Amber's best friend. She was perfectly happy when it was just the two of them, but she encouraged Amber to approach Sasha about writing music for the school play. To do so, they must become a part of the popular crowd - a decision Priya would regret. 

Scott is the outlier. He is only driven to smoke weed and cruise through school. He's not a stoner oblivious to what is going on around him. Still, the others wonder why he was invited to this 'party.' 

The story is played in two ways: the time in the locked room and flashbacks leading up to it. Each add to the intensity as truths are revealed. In the room, tempers flare causing violence. So many questions to be answered: Who invited them? Who would want one of them dead? Is the bomb real? (ya, I hadn't mentioned that part yet or the syringe). If you are looking for a book full of suspense, give this one a read. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site. 

 

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Life or death - it is Mia's choice (at least, she thinks it is her choice). Should she wake from the coma to face the difficult life she has ahead or just let herself go? She moves around the hospital like a ghost seeing all but not able to interact with her family and friends that have gathered. The devastating car crash has taken so much from her already; maybe it should take her, too.

Before the accident, Mia had a good life. She has loving parents who support her dream of being a cellist and a young brother she adores. She has a best friend, Kim, who is like a sister. And Mia has a boyfriend, Adam, who is a musician, too (in a rock band).

Since she was a child, the cello has been a part of her; the music an extension of who she is. She sometimes feels out of place among her rock music loving family (her dad gave up being a drummer in a punk band to become a teacher when her brother Teddy was born). Playing the cello is where she is most comfortable.

The family set off on a snow day trip to visit family. Mia never saw the other car coming. She finds herself standing in a ditch looking at what used to be her family's car. She feels fine, except she sees herself laying on the ground surrounded by rescue personnel. Is Mia dead? She doesn't know. She does hop in the ambulance and ride with herself to the hospital.

We, as readers, are with Mia knowing what she knows when she knows it. We are with her in the hospital waiting for Adam and Kim to arrive, watching her grandparents weep and learning the fate of her parents and brother. We also learn about Mia's life through flashbacks: discovering the cello, meeting Adam, hanging out with Kim, laughing at her brother, rolling her eyes at her mom, applying for school, listening to her dad's music. So much promise; so much lost.

What will Mia do? Stay or leave? Interesting questions for a poignant story. The book is relatively short, but packs a lot of emotion. Enjoy Mia's story - it's worth it.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

Who Put This Song On? by Morgan Parker

Morgan feels like she does not fit in anywhere. She is one of the few black girls in her private Christian school (she's not sure she is really Christian, either). Her anxiety and depression puts her parents on edge. Last summer it became too much, so she tried to kill herself.

Now in therapy and on medication, she is trying to get through life. She has two good friends, Meg and James. But even they do not understand what it is like to be black in a school and society so focused on white people. Take history class, the teacher gives bare information about Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman. Morgan has to dig deeper on her own to find how awesome these woman were. And when she tries to bring up in class, she is labeled as difficult. She is tired of being the representative of her race when no one will listen to her even when she tries to be authentic.

Her parents think her mood swings are just that; something she can control if she would just try. When she explodes in anger and frustration, she is accused of being dramatic.

And then there are guys. Why do guys turn out to be such jerks? Not that Morgan thinks that; often she blames herself and feels that no one will ever truly like her (she's just too weird, right?).

I was first struck by the humor in this story. Morgan is genuinely funny. As the story progresses, Morgan's issues are revealed. She has deep insecurity and such low self esteem. She wants to be better, but struggles to find the balance. It's an incredible story that appears to be largely autobiographical. From personal experience, I can say there is so much truth about her anxiety and depression. I hope young people find this book and take some solace from it and know that they are not alone.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

Spin by Colleen Nelson

Dizzy wants to be a DJ. Her life has been surrounded by music. She lives with her dad and brother above their a vintage record store. She has been practicing her skills at the DJ stand in the corner of the store, but has never performed for an audience.

Her brother, Lou, doesn't know what he wants, but he knows it is not to spend the rest of his life working in a record store. He wishes he had Dizzy's drive, but currently he just feels adrift.

Their father, Ray, likes playing his sax and jamming with his friends. He likes the store and even though he is old fashioned in his thinking, he lets Lou start social media accounts for the store to attract new customers and to sell records online.

None of them are ready for the return of Georgia Waters, world famous singer and the mother of Dizzy and Lou. She left Ray when they were just children to pursue her career. She has only visited once in the last 12 or so years. She is coming to town for a concert. Will she even make an effort to see her grown children?

No one knows that Georgia is Lou and Dizzy's mother (outside of a few family friends) - it's the way she wanted it. And Ray has been happy not having the attention it would bring his children. Lou is angry at Georgia and doesn't care if she visits or not. Ray is indifferent, but may still have strong feelings for Georgia even though she left him to raise their children. Dizzy is curious and wants contact with her mother in hopes of getting answers.

One thing I love about this story is that we get the perspectives of Dizzy, Lou and Ray. Each get their own chapters throughout the book. We know what the are thinking and feeling. Yes, Dizzy is the center of the story, but Lou and Ray have their own parts to tell. This allows for the characters to be better developed, and the reader to be emotionally connected to them.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

Everything Grows by Aimee Herman

Eleanor was bullied by James. She didn't know him other than from the torment he gave her. One day, James commits suicide. So Eleanor cuts her hair and dyes it. Eleanor also starts writing to James in her journal. She tells him everything that is happening in her life - and it's a lot.

Eleanor's mom tried to commit suicide about a year ago. She fears her mom will try it again. Eleanor goes to group therapy to help deal.

Eleanor is also exploring her own sexuality. She knows she's gay, but it feels like there is more. She hasn't come out to anyone...yet. Although her mom's friend Flora seems like a good place to start since she is gay, too.

She loses an old friend. Gains new ones. Meets James' parents. And tries to find who she really is and who she is supposed to be. As readers, we take some big steps with Eleanor, but is only just the beginning for her.

Eleanor's story is a positive one for young people struggling with identity, particularly LGBTQ teens.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

Summer of '69 by Todd Strasser

As the title states, this story takes place in the summer of 1969. Lucas has just graduated from high school, but doesn't know what comes next. He is one of the growing number of young people who are against the establishment. He has long hair, smokes weed, takes LSD, drives a psychedelic VW bus and protests against the war in Vietnam. You would think being of the hippie mindset would be make Lucas pretty mellow, but no. Lucas has a lot on his mind.

Let's start with Robin, his girlfriend. For the summer she is heading up to Canada to work at a camp. She has already expressed dissatisfaction with some of Lucas' choices (his drug use, for example), so being apart all summer has him concerned.

Lucas' dad. Lucas doesn't like his dad. His dad owns businesses and can set his own hours - most of them he spends playing tennis (obsessively, so). Lucas also knows that his dad has been frequently unfaithful to his mother. And Lucas certainly has not turned out to be what his father wanted him to be.

Tinsley, the free love photographer Lucas meets through his cousin. With Robin so far away...Tinsley is so tempting. Is she flirting? Is there something between them? Lucas is definitely thinking about her.

And Vietnam. Lucas does not want to get drafted and sent to war. The letters from his friend who is there remind of the daily horrors. The problem for Lucas is that he didn't get accepted to college. He should have studied more when had the chance. Now, he is desperately trying to find away to avoid military service.

Other books I have read for young people set in the same time period tend to focus on Vietnam or Woodstock, but this one is a slice out of a young person's ever day life and deals with multiple issues and events. It is refreshing to have a story for young people that provides a glimpse into the late 60s without glorifying it.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

Falling Over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick

Claire enters 8th grade not having much fun. Ryder, the kid who's been tormenting her since 6th grade, is in all of her classes. The mean girls seem even worse this year. Dance has always been an escape for her, but now her friends have been moved up to a higher group leaving her with the kids.

Worst of all, Claire's dad has a stroke. One minute they are talking in the kitchen; the next he is slumping to the floor mumbling nonsense. Her world is turned upside down. She needs her funny dad who writes books for teens. He cannot speak, can barely walk and struggles to get food to his mouth. The annual Dad's Dance performance was one thing Claire always looked forward to. Now, she will not be able to dance with her father on stage like the other girls.

Claire's mom is always super positive (which is sometimes annoying in a crisis). Her older brother is practically perfect. Her father's prolonged illness tests them all.

We follow Claire through her whole 8th grade year. Her friendships are tested along with her patience and self-esteem. Middle school is tough enough without having an almost non-functioning parent. Once again, Jordan Sonnenblick has given his readers wonderful characters to cheer on.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

Three Day Summer by Sarvenaz Tash

For three days in 1969, the Woodstock music festival made the small town of Bethel, New York, the center of the rock world. Thousands of people gathered in the name of peace to hear some of the biggest names in music. Two of those people are Michael and Cora, and this is how they met and spent those three days.

Michael drove from Massachusetts with his friend Evan, his girlfriend Amanda, and Amanda's two friends. He's not sure what to do with his life. Go to college? Join the military? He's also not sure about his girlfriend Amanda. Sometimes it seems like she doesn't even like him, so why is she with him at all?

Cora lives in Bethel on a farm. Her dad has nothing but disdain for the people coming to the festival. He is a veteran with great pride in his oldest son's current service in Vietnam. He's not as happy with Cora and her war protesting twin brother. Cora wants to be a nurse...no, she really wants to be a doctor, a lofty goal for a woman from a small town in those times. She works as a candy striper in the medical tent at the festival.

Michael takes some acid with bad results, so his friends take him to the medical tent where he is attended to by Cora. Michael doesn't remember much about their first encounter, but soon realizes Cora is nothing like Amanda. Separated from his friends, Michael asks Cora to hang with him.

The festival allows to Michael and Cora to escape their worries for a bit: Cora's strict father and her brother in Vietnam; Michael's future and his issues with Amanda. Michael gets lost in the music and takes Cora with him. They run into famous people and share in the generosity of their fellow festival goers. Neither, of course, knows the mythical quality that Woodstock will one day represent to generations. But we do, so we can go along with them to feel just a little bit of what it could have been like for those three days of peace, love and music.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

The Haters by Jesse Andrews

Wes and Corey love music, well except the music they hate on...which is a lot of it. They know they are haters - it's what they do. They are attending a jazz camp (Wes plays bass and Corey plays drums) with a bunch of young people way more into jazz than they are.

Back home, Wes and Corey do not play together a lot - they usually just end up listening to music. Needless to say they are not the best players in camp, so they end up in the worst group. But so does a guitar player named Ash. On the first day of camp, the three end up jamming together. They are so impressed with themselves that they decide to form a group and immediately hit the road to find venues to play.

What could go wrong with spur of the moment tour? Wes, Corey and Ash find out as the head through the South on route to New Orleans. It is a road trip of disasters, disappointments, weird characters and epic moments.

Music has a way of bringing people together. Wes, Corey and Ash came together through music and their lives will never be the same.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog.

Drag Teen by Jeffery Self

JT has only done drag once - and it was humiliating. Of course, it wasn't the best venue with the most receptive audience (high school talent show with jocks watching). JT will not put himself through that again.

The problem is that JT does not want to be stuck working in his family's gas station in Florida for the rest of his life. His parents do not have the money to send him to college and do not seem to care what happens to him as long as he works at the station. How can he escape? His boyfriend, Seth, discovers a teen drag contest that gives the winner a four year scholarship to college.

So here are the problems (as JT sees it): 1)The contest is in New York City and he has no money to get there and 2) He is not a real drag queen since his only performance was a total embarrassment.

It's a good thing JT has friends like Seth and Heather. They are constantly talking him through his insecurities. And they have a plan. JT just has to find the confidence in himself and trust the people who want to help him. In New York and on the trip there, JT finds many of those people.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog.

Character, Driven by David Lubar

Cliff's life changes when he sees Jillian for the first time. Yes, she is that beautiful. She is new to school, and everyone notices her when she walks into class. Cliff knows he does not have chance with her but that doesn't keep his mind from thinking up things to say to her.

Cliff is telling us the story of his senior year. Jillian is only one part of it. His dad lost his job and is pathological about saving money. Cliff works two jobs to contribute to the money his mom brings home from working at a bakery. Cliff's dad is constantly harping about what Cliff cannot do because it is a waste of money (like go to a concert of one of  his favorite bands). His dad also tells Cliff he is wasting his time with art. Cliff is not sure what he wants to do with his life, but he would like art to be an option.

Cliff has two best friends, Butch and Robert. Butch has changed her name many times since he's known her. She is "a little twisted, but in a good way" (her skull collection is a good example). Robert moved from Jamaica. Both are very smart and 'fight' with each other constantly.

Then there's Jimby whose mother drank a lot while she was pregnant. As described by Cliff, it messed up Jimby's brain a bit, but he would take a beating for Jimby. Cliff tries to help Jimby whenever he can.

Cliff knows he is writing us a story and makes occasional references to remind us. In reality of course, it is David Lubar who has (once again) given the reader a story filled with humor and poignancy. There are some basic truths to be found alongside the funny musings of Cliff.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

If Rock and Roll Were a Machine by Terry Davis

Bert Bowden wanted a motorcycle. His parents were against it, but he got one anyway. He doesn't feel like a motorcycle guy, but he feels good when he's riding it. It was something the he had to try.

Bert is not sure of himself anymore. He used to be a smart, outgoing kid until a teacher crushed his spirit. The teacher thought Bert was a know-it-all. He was personally irritated by Bert's classroom outbursts, so he turned the other kids against him. Since then, Bert has been adrift.

He tried out for football, but didn't make the cut. He tries writing for the school paper (his teacher even thinks he could write professionally some day). There's a girl he kind of likes, but he never expresses it.

This is a slice of Bert's life at a time when he seems to be finding his direction. Too often things happen in our early life that even we may not recognize at the time but have long lasting effects. Bert is lucky enough to find adults who want to help him and encourage him. Will riding a motorcycle help him? Maybe not, but riding one at least puts him on a road going somewhere.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Willowdean lives in a small Texas town known for its Miss Clover City beauty pageant. Her mom is a former winner. Willowdean has always hated the pageant - she does not have the physique of a 'beauty' queen, and she is really ok with that. Her mom on the other hand sees Willowdean's weight is a character flaw. So every year when it is pageant time, Willowdean braces herself while her mother dives deep into the preparations for the pageant as one of its directors.

It's not all about the pageant. First, there's Bo. He's the hot guy behind the grill at the hamburger joint where Willowdean works. He's been paying attention to her. When they kiss, Willowdean cannot figure out what someone like Bo would see in a fat girl like her.

Second, Willowdean is still not over the loss of her beloved aunt Lucy. She was not petite either and lived with Willowdean and her mom. Lucy shared her love of Dolly Parton with Willowdean. She had a bond with her aunt that she will never have with her mother.

Third, Willowdean's best friend Ellen seems to be drifting away. She has a new friend (who Willowdean can't stand) and a job at a 'skinney girls' store.

Willowdean decides to make a statement by joining the pageant. It turns out to be more difficult than she thought.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach

The world may end as we know it. An asteroid named Ardor is coming to earth. Will it hit or just pass closely? Unknown. Will it change the lives of Peter, Anita, Andy and Eliza? Yes.

Anita wants to be a singer, but her strict parents have done everything to discourage her. For them, it's all about going to Princeton and becoming a respected professional. Prestige is important to her father.

Peter is an athlete dating a popular girl named Stacy, but he's not sure why anymore. He kinda accidentally kissed Eliza last year in the school's dark room. They were seen and word got around quickly. As Peter was dating Stacy at the time, she made sure everyone knew Eliza was a slut.

Eliza loves photography. Her father, who is dying from cancer, encourages her creativity. She likes being on the fringe observing rather than being observed. Getting a reputation and becoming the talk of the school was a nightmare.

Andy is a drug user living in the basement with practically no supervision from his parents. He plays guitar in a band with his friend Bobo. Their music is loud and mostly incomprehensible, but Andy does write other songs, more melodic and personal. He bets Bobo he will no long be a virgin when the world ends.

The lives of these four young people seem interconnected as society falls apart in the (possible) impending disaster. Just like the world, their relationships are in flux. Sometimes they hate each other and other times they need each other. Whatever happens (and I'm not going to tell you), the four are given new opportunities to make their lives better (no matter how short those lives may be).

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

Silent Alarm by Jennifer Banash

The gun was pointed right in her face. Just minutes before, someone had come into the school library yelling about the shooter. Alys heard shots fired and found herself facing the gunman, her brother Luke. The gun shots, the screams, the blood - a horrible nightmare and she was right in the middle of it.

In her life before the shooting, Alys had her best friend Delilah and her boyfriend Ben. She had time for little else, practicing her violin for an important audition at the end of the school year - the one she'd been preparing for her whole life. Her parents had sacrificed so much to get her to this point.

In her life after, Alys has lost everything. Her family is blamed for her brother's actions. Her parents are breaking apart. And Alys can't even pick up her violin. The only person who will speak to her is her brother's best friend, Riley and he is as confused as anyone about Luke's actions.

Alys cannot reconcile the brother of her childhood and the one who killed people. She is haunted by him; seeing him and talking to him. Is it real? It doesn't matter since the tragedy will never make sense. Luke will never be able to explain why he killed so many people including ones he knew his whole life, like Ben's younger sister.

Luke spared Alys's life, but she is a victim, too. He killed the life she had before and maybe the one she was going to have. This story gives us just a glimpse into an all too common event in our society.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog.

I'm Glad I Did by Cynthia Weil

JJ Green wants to be a professional songwriter. Her mom is a lawyer. Her dad is a judge. Her brother is in law school. Hmmm...I wonder what they want her to do?

Luckily for JJ, she lives in New York City. In 1963, there is no place better for aspiring songwriters than the Brill Building, home to successful music composers and publishers.

JJ's mom has nothing kind to say about the music business (largely due to her brother Bernie), but has agreed to let JJ work the summer as an intern in the Brill Building with the stipulation that JJ has to write a song that becomes a hit record by the end of summer or she gives up her dream of becoming a professional songwriter.

JJ often has lunch with her estranged Uncle Bernie (who is a big executive in the building). She is happy to learn from him, but she would never tell her mother about their contact. She meets Luke, who at first is aloof and mysterious, but turns out to be a lyricist who immediately understands her music. JJ befriends the night janitor who turns out to be the once famous singer Dulcie Brown herself. It is a fateful friendship that reveals much about everyone's past. And then there is the murder...

...Or is it suicide like the police think? This is not just a story of a girl trying to prove something to herself and her parents (with a little romance thrown in, too). JJ must solve the murder of someone close to her - it becomes more important than anything else that summer including songwriting.

Cynthia Weil, the author, is a songwriter who worked in the Brill Building in 1960s and along with her husband wrote some of the most famous pop songs of the time.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.