Troy High

Gr 6–10—Shana Norris's novel (Amulet Books, 2009) is a fun, contemporary version of Homer's The Iliad. Cassie Prince, outcast younger sister of two very cool Troy High School dudes, Hunter and Perry, is drawn into a war between her high school, the home of the Trojans football team, and her best friend Greg's school, Lacede High, the home of the Spartans football team. When their school districts are redrawn, forcing former Spartan students, including the beautiful Elena Argos, to leave their friends at Lacede High to join the Trojans, trouble ensues. Elena, former girlfriend of Greg's brother, Lucas, falls for Perry and becomes the instigator of a rivalry between the two suitors. Their animosity spills over into an interschool prank war that becomes dangerous. Cassie, caught between loyalty to her brothers and her feelings for Greg, wants nothing to do with the rivalry, but can't seem to find her way out without betraying someone. Khristine Hvam's narration matches the breezy tone of Norris's tale, giving Cassie a believable and distinct teen voice. As she runs the gamut of emotions from upbeat to downtrodden to betrayed, Cassie's voice rings true. Teens familiar with mythology will be able to pick up the correlations to the epic tale, but even those who have no frame of reference will enjoy this contemporary story of romance and rivalry. A fun listening experience that may spark deeper conversations.—Jessica Miller, West Springfield Public Library, MA