Running Through Sprinklers

Gr 5–8—Sara and Nadine have been inseparable since the age of one, when they both moved to a cul-de-sac in the brand-new suburb of Surrey, Canada. Now 12 and about to start seventh grade, Sara's idyllic childhood is shattered when Nadine skips ahead to high school and leaves Sara to complete her final year of primary school alone. Sara spirals into depression, jealousy, and anger as she struggles to regain her lost friendship and discover who she is without the person who defined her the most. Written in limited first-person point of view, the book reads more like a progression of impressionistic and emotionally charged vignettes than a traditional linear novel. The stream-of-consciousness flashbacks to Sara's early childhood that pepper the narrative lend an oddly dreamy, nostalgic tone to the work. Due to this style, the pacing is inconsistent and the plot is underdeveloped. The novel relies heavily on Sara's angst for her lost friend and her ensuing interactions with Jen, Nadine's little sister. Other subplots are brought up quickly and resolved too conveniently or dismissed with a life-goes-on resolution. Many of these threads, including the disappearance of a neighborhood boy and sexual harassment and stalking by a classmate, are disturbing and need more attention than they are given. A highlight of the novel, however, is Sara's strong relationship to her family and her Korean heritage. The book may find an audience in mature middle grade readers who enjoy emotionally driven, slice-of-life fare.