Autofocus

Gr 8 Up—A look at the transition to adulthood through the eyes of a young woman searching for answers about her biological family. Tasked with taking photos that represent the concept of family for her photography course, high school senior Maude travels to Tallahassee to see where her birth mother grew up. She stays with best friend Treena, who went off to college a year earlier. Though they once shared everything, Maude and Treena are surprised to discover how much each of them has changed. Treena's new desire to party and hang out with boys leaves Maude on her own as she searches for her birth mother. Along the way, the protagonist meets Bennett, a boy who lives in Treena's dorm and is eager to help. Maude is relentless in her quest for answers, but the author doesn't fully explain why. Treena's East Asian heritage is emphasized but feels like an afterthought. Bennett is the perfect love interest but isn't developed enough to keep readers invested in the romance. Still, detailing the progression from high school to college, Gibaldi gives voice to the fears and expectations of many teenagers.