Take a Bow

Gr 7 Up—Welcome to the New York City High School of the Creative and Performing Arts, the most prestigious school of its kind in the country. Alternating chapters each follow a different student who wants to make the most of senior year: Carter, a former child star who questions becoming an actor; Ethan, a gifted songwriter who may never be able to express his true feelings; Sophie, a cutthroat and competitive singer who will do whatever it takes to make it to the top; and Emme, a songwriter who has always been most comfortable in the background and struggles to find the courage to take center stage. The ending offers no surprises, but getting there is half the fun. Through each teen, readers are exposed to the many ups and downs of life at a performing-arts school, and the format makes for a quick and compelling read. Although the characters can feel one-dimensional at times, readers will enjoy this lighthearted novel and the message to take chances and be true to oneself.—Rachael Myers-Ricker, Horace Mann School, Bronx, NY