Spin the Sky

Gr 8 Up—In her debut young adult novel, the author draws on her background in dance to create a first-person narrative about a young woman striving to "dance herself free" of obstacles. Life in a small Oregon coastal town, Summerland, is fraught with taunts and accusations for Magnolia after her addict mother commits a crime. The only time she feels accepted is when she is practicing at the dance studio. After her popular, handsome best friend, George, discovers that tryouts for a television dance contest will be held in a nearby city, he convinces her to compete. Despite her strong sense that George "plays for the other team," Magnolia is infatuated with him, until he betrays her on national television. Magnolia is able to befriend other competitors, though, all of whom have their own issues. Snobby, beautiful Olivia has a mother who belittles her and calls her a loser. Loudmouthed Jack has trouble expressing himself and is perceived as a bully. Magnolia slowly realizes that the widening of her social circle empowers her with empathy. Though the themes of this title are not new, MacKenzie deftly explores the idea that each person experiences pain, often deeply hidden from the world, as well as the maturity that comes from that understanding. Teens questioning the status quo and thinking about an independent future, regardless of their family situations, will find interest in Magnolia's journey.