Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (mention of adults drinking and smoking, but no reference to kids using substances); Violence: PG (Kass is chased by two homeless men and is terrified by the incident; off page beating)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
13yo Kass is a diver who has transferred to a private Catholic school so that she can be on a prestigious diving team and improve her skills. But nothing seems to be working as it should and Kass desperately misses her old school, her friends and struggles to find her way at her new school. Until Kass meets Miles, a 17yo boy who dives in a completely different way... scavenging and dumpster diving on the posh side of town for things he can salvage or sell to help take care of his Dad. Miles understands what it means to feel trapped and Kass starts to wonder what would happen if she starts breaking out of the boxes that she feels forced to live in... until she and Miles are trapped and struggling to find a way out.
I loved the unexpected connection between two divers - one who dives in a pool and one who dives in a dumpster. The friendship between the two kids is unexpected and unsettling and yet compelling. I love the way that Kass explores and pushes boundaries as all teens and tweens do, but knowing that she is loved by her family and where she can turn for safety. The story felt very unpredictable, yet most kids will connect with the feeling of not fitting in and struggling to find their "spot" in the world. Kass is dealing with parents who have money struggles, missing her best friend who goes to her old school, trying to make friends at her new school and the challenge of connecting both worlds. All of these challenges slam up against her fascination and friendship with Miles and the clash of their two worlds. The story is compelling and curious and familiar all at the same time. I think kids will find it fascinating.
Jen VanHaaften, Middle School Librarian
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