Rebel, Bully, Geek, Pariah

November 23, 2015
Lange (Dead Ends) throws together four teens from different backgrounds who have to trust each other in order to survive what has rapidly become the worst night of their lives. Samantha Cherie, a reclusive soon-to-be junior, has spent her life praying for her mother to stay sober and out of jail; she’s hopeful that the four-year anniversary of her mother’s sobriety is finally their turning point. On her way home to celebrate, though, a chance meeting with classmate Andi Dixon, an “it” girl turned rebel, unwillingly leads Sam to a party in the woods. When cops break up the party, Andi and Sam run into York and Boston, two brothers with little in common but large egos, and the unlikely foursome is soon escaping in a stolen vehicle. Lange keeps tension high as the situation quickly escalates from bad to worse. It’s not always clear (or plausible) why Sam makes certain decisions (namely choosing to stay with kids she hardly knows), but it’s still a fast-paced read with a gripping blend of suspense and emotion. Ages 14–up. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary Agency.