Dancing with Molly

Gr 10 Up—The narrator of this story is a self-professed "band geek" who is tired of being overshadowed by her popular and beautiful younger sister. At the beginning of this narrative, she is excited to go home and tell her family that her school band will be marching in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but all of that is overshadowed by her mother's enthusiasm over the younger sister's prom invitation. When she goes over to her best friend's to commiserate, she is given her first taste of MDMA, or Ecstasy. Written in journal format, this story is about a teen's gradual slide into heavy drug use. Although the parents, especially the mother, are drawn a little too shallowly, the story itself is fairly believable. There is plenty of information about how Ecstasy works and its side effects. Horowitz sets this cautionary tale against the backdrop of raves and luxury homes, with no parents around. The story's resolution may come as a surprise to many readers, and even the popular younger sister is affected in unexpected ways. The mature sex scenes and heavy drug use make this a suitable title for older teens.