Crush
(Tegan and Sara)

Gr 6-9--The combined talents of Tegan and Sara Quin with graphic novel artist Walden brings readers a pitch-perfect rendition of the 13-year-old twins entering the professional hustle with their band while maintaining friendships, middle school romances, and their relationships with each other. Emotional accuracy remains authentic and fully dimensional as the girls graduate from their amateur musical duo, Gunk, to winning a performance spot onstage, and get the professional management they and their parents decide is undeniably high-pressured. Family dynamics, the girls' sexual orientations, and activities that spotlight interests beyond music all get fair play with the seamless context Walden weaves through color-coded dreams, finely tuned postures, and facial expressions. While the real-life Quins attended junior high in the 1990s, setting this duology in the 21st century has allowed for the speedy communication devices the Canadian coauthors wouldn't have experienced when they were in middle school. VERDICT Even those with no previous knowledge of the band will be fully immersed in Tegan and Sara's backstory, thanks to their own narrative skills and the support of a fine visual artist who is fully onboard.--Francisca Goldsmith

A heartfelt story of staying grounded while shooting for stardom.

Even those with no previous knowledge of the band will be fully immersed in Tegan and Sara's backstory, thanks to their own narrative skills and the support of a fine visual artist who is fully onboard.