Take a Bow

Eulberg, Elizabeth      Take a Bow   

Scholastic/Grolier/Childrens Press/Watts  2012  280p  $17.99      978-0-545-33474-7       ms/hs   VG    Realistic fiction

Once again, Eulberg (The Lonely Hearts Club) has created a romantic story with memorable characters and setting.  Narrated in four different voices, this novel focuses on talented students during their senior year at the New York High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.  Sophie was a star before, but now she is using her friends only to advance her career.  Emme is talented but lacks confidence.  Ethan loves Emme, but can he tell her?  Former child star Carter wants to be an artist, but will his stage mother let him be one?  And then there’s the band.  The friendships ring true.  The major characters, Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter, and band members Jack and Ben are portrayed with verve and humor.  This is more a story of friendship and self-realization than a romance, but the romantic elements will keep Eulberg’s fans entranced.  This is an enjoyable read for older teens, and there is nothing that is inappropriate for middle-school readers.       

VG    Pat Naismith      Friendship, High school stories, Romance