Scarlett Fever

Gr 7 Up—After a whirlwind summer, Scarlett Martin is ready to go back to school in Maureen Johnson's sequel (2008) to Suite Scarlett (2010, both Scholastic). Starting her sophomore year is not all it's cracked up to be, though, as the teen faces difficult classes, a somewhat annoyingly attractive lab partner, a confusing ex-boyfriend, a not-just-limited-to-afterschool job, a suddenly infamous actor brother, two sisters acting totally unlike themselves, and parents in deep financial straits. Narrator Jeannie Stith gives each character a unique voice and easily maneuvers listeners through heartrending moments; forehead slapping, groan inducing situations; and laugh-out-loud scenes. Nothing seems to go right as Scarlett struggles to return her brother to New York's favor, to help both her sisters cope with their life decisions, to help her boss land and keep an important client, and to figure out what her heart is really telling her. Coupled with an engaging plot, Stith's reading will easily engage even reluctant listeners. For library collections already circulating Suite Scarlett.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT