On Edge

November 16, 2015
With a dash of Shakespearean flair, Price’s debut vaults the rooftops and skims the alleys of teen angst, family, and relationships with only a few tumbles. Ellie is a high school gymnast by day and a parkour/freerunning aficionado at night, along with her brother. When she meets handsome graffiti artist Haze, the battle between the traceurs and taggers heats up with the intensity of a gang war, something already plaguing their newly consolidated high school. Distorted likenesses of Ellie begin showing up on local buildings—just as similar portraits of Haze’s sister appeared before her murder. What the novel lacks in flow it makes up for in action and character development. It’s difficult to suspend disbelief regarding some of the details that lead to the final confrontation, as well as plot threads that are left dangling (such as Ellie’s hopes for a gymnastics scholarship). While Price doesn’t fully dive into the cultures of freerunning and graffiti, the novel offers a fresh voice and opens the door to dialogue about what constitutes criminality. Ages 14–up.

December 1, 2015
The closing of two high schools results in strife between rival gangs. Emanuella "LL" Harvey's brother, Warp, and his friends are deeply suspicious of graffiti artist Haze and his group. Though Haze and LL share an instant attraction when their schools consolidate, acting on it could further heighten tensions. The challenge of keeping Warp and Haze apart gets harder after pictures of her done in Haze's style begin appearing on walls around town. Their secret, budding relationship, along with Haze's determination to learn who murdered his sister, are set against LL's efforts in her brother's parcours group: athletic young people who practice the sport of dashing through city streets, overcoming obstacles by running, leaping, and jumping. LL has responded to the loss of her mother, the frequent absences of her trucker dad, and too many older brothers by becoming outspoken and daring; her voice is strong and authentic. There is much else to admire in this debut novel. The depiction of the sport of parcours brings distinctive action to the narrative. LL and her brother are mixed-race, introduced as a characteristic rather than a major issue. Secondary characters are well-drawn, especially the troubled Warp and his good friend Surge. The twists and resolution are satisfying, though the writing sags at times, and a gymnastics subplot disappears, leaving readers wondering. Intriguing characters, a different take on an urban landscape, and the element of mystery will captivate readers. (Mystery. 12-18)

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February 1, 2016

Gr 8 Up-Even though Emanuella does gymnastics for her school team, free running makes her the happiest. She and her street buddy Surge run the streets, not seeing the objects like stairs and bike racks as impediments, but rather as a means to increase speed. The free runners have a gang that runs the streets on the poorer side of town while the graffiti artists have a gang as well. The two rival groups challenge each other for turf and space while the town considers both groups juvenile delinquents. Because of low enrollment, the school district consolidates two high schools, forcing the different groups to attend the same school. Violence erupts, but for LL, Emanuella's street name, attending the new school introduces her to Haze, a well-known writer (graffiti artist). In true star-crossed lovers' style, the two meet secretly to keep their relationship hidden from LL's brother. The story deepens when LL finds out that Haze's sister was killed while drawing a picture as a tribute to Haze. Was the killer from a rival gang? A jealous writer? Or could it be Haze himself? LL finds herself considering everyone around her as a possible suspect. As more bits and pieces of the story emerge, LL discovers many secrets surrounding the girl's death. The story ends with a bit of a twist, and the killer is revealed. VERDICT The story's gritty, urban setting will appeal to many readers, while the use of free running and graffiti as the basis for the gangs adds the touch of realism and rebellion many teens will enjoy.-Diana Pierce, formerly at Leander High School, TX

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