We Built This City

Gr 5-7–Marie is a familiar, welcoming voice, returning for her second Patrick title; her impressive age-defying aural capabilities cipher tweens, teens, adults—and even the legendary Casey Kasem. It’s summer 1985 as the lip-syncing dance troupe Synchronicity embarks on a four-week, 22-city tour. Twelve-year-old Stevie, her older brother Brandon, and her best friend Wes are among the 26 traveling kids—and so is Stevie’s forever-crush, Joey. Unable to share her feelings directly, Stevie’s instead been sending regular letters to American Top 40's Casey Kasem, hoping to get an on-air dedication. She’s got plenty of distractions to keep her from getting too lovesick, particularly her concern for her older brother whose epilepsy might be worsening. Being constantly on the road provides Stevie important opportunities to grow: “Maybe I will become a girl with friends and confidence and that star sparkle, on and off the stage.”