Swinarski, Claire. Take It from the Top. Quill Tree, 11/2024. 288pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-0633-2173-1. GRADES 6–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
What went wrong? It was supposed to be the perfect summer, back at her beloved theater camp with her best friend, co-starring in their dream musical. Thirteen-year-old Eowyn and Jules come from different worlds, but they get each other, want the same thing, and planned on sharing the limelight together. Now Jules can barely stand to look at Eowyn, and Eowyn is almost sure she doesn’t know why. Alternating first-person and third-person chapters trace the story back and forth, from age eight to fourteen, exploring privilege, insecurity, jealousy, and ambition. Fans of friendship dramas and theater lovers will be delighted by the exhaustive exploration, but some readers may wish the curtain had come down sooner. Both main characters are white. Review based on an ARC.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired