The Suburban Strange

Gr 9–11—Celia Balaustine, a new sophomore at Suburban High, has been adopted by a group of seniors, the Rosary, who pride themselves on being "the ones who know," and they wear black, caravan in cars, and hang out at Diaboliques, a Goth nightclub. But something is seriously amiss at school: on the day before their 16th birthdays, girls who are sexually innocent are having accidents or taking ill. Celia begins to suspect that there is a curse, and her chem lab partner, Mariette, a fledgling Kind, takes her into her confidence: an Unkind is attempting to gain power by killing one of the young women. Readers who enjoy paranormal stories that include a bit of mystery will appreciate this first novel as they will be caught up in the suspense. Others might find the plot moves too slowly. References to alternative rock music, art, and literature add a touch of sophistication.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI