Fade to Us

Gr 8 Up—A fast-paced and engaging story of family drama and first love. Brooke Byers, 17, has her summer all planned out—she will earn enough money to buy a car. However, her plans change when her stepsister Natalie moves in. Natalie has Asperger's Syndrome and everyone in the family must adapt to her needs. When Natalie joins a summer theater program, Brooke quits her job to volunteer at the camp and support Natalie. Brooke enjoys her work and the company of the stage manager, Micah. Natalie has a strong friendship with Micah, but Brooke and Micah are clearly attracted to each other. Their relationship could create too much stress for the family, but Micah is worth it. Fade to Us is Day's second book featuring a character on the autism spectrum and Day succeeds in developing Natalie beyond a stereotype. Likewise, by telling the story from Brooke's perspective, readers experience how family members deal with the symptoms of Asperger's. The romance between Brooke and Micah is engaging and believable, but at times overly dramatic. However, more mature readers will be engaged by Brooke's and Natalie's growing friendship and sisterly bond.