She Said/She Saw

Gr 8 Up—This fast-paced mystery revolves around the fallout from a drug-related drive-by shooting through the story of two sisters: Tegan, the only survivor in the car, and Kelly, 10 months younger than her popular sister. The deaths of two popular high school students devastate the community, and it is up to Tegan to help bring the murderer(s) to justice. Although she is interrogated repeatedly by the police and representatives of the victims' families, she cannot provide details of the attack. Initially, most people claim to understand that she may be in some sort of traumatic shock; her inability to recall the assailant's identity leads to shunning by her peers, including her sister. Pressured by the intimidation, Tegan publishes an online video addressed to the killer, which ultimately makes her a target. Although the ending is highly dramatic, the events do not stretch beyond believability. Tegan's mental block is understandable and realistic. The infighting between the families of the two victims, both from different economic, ethnic, and social backgrounds, is tragic and believable. The dangers of buying illegal drugs are presented without overt moralization. Through alternating the narrative between the two sisters, McClintock unveils details about Tegan and the victims that surprise and change readers' initial attitudes about them. Several scenes, including one in which Tegan learns that her mother's job is in jeopardy and a flashback involving an enraged motorist, crackle with tension. A solid choice for reluctant readers.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA