J.R. Silver Writes Her World

An intriguing, credible tale of friendship and coming-of-age.

For Josephine Rose "J.R." Silver, who cues as white, sixth grade in New York City begins on a frustrating note. Her parents refuse to give the only child the independence she craves, and her best friend, Violet Fernando, of Sri Lankan descent, has started hanging out with a new pal. Aspiring writer J.R. is thrilled, however, when her inscrutable new teacher Ms. Kline announces a creative writing unit based on illustrated covers of the New Yorker-esque magazine Gothamite. Resolving to "live vicariously" through her stories' protagonists, J.R. gives characters a cell phone, freedom to walk home alone, and a winning soccer goal--and is shocked when her own real life begins to imitate her art. Despite Ms. Kline's warnings against using the stories "as a magic wand," J.R. is tempted to write away her friendship difficulties and soon finds that unforeseen problems accompany every positive change, a realization that inspires her to confront problems interpersonally. Balancing realistic relationship drama with magical undertones, debut author Dassori deftly threads references to From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and the Metropolitan Museum of Art into a bustling city-set cautionary tale. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Jennifer Unter, Unter Agency. (July)

Gr 3-7--It's the beginning of sixth grade and Josephine Rose (J.R.) Silver is looking forward to beginning middle school with her best friend Violet. They have been best friends for as long as they can remember; but ever since Violet went away to summer sleepaway camp, her letters home revolved more around making new friends than missing her old one. As school begins and Violet continues to make new friends, J.R. is still holding onto memories of their many visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Eternal fans of The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the friends visited the setting of their favorite novel over and over again. As school begins and J.R.'s new teacher Mrs. Kline gives her writing assignments, J.R. finds that the events she writes about start to come true. Dassori combines predictable preteen angst about changing friendships and coming of age with a little bit of magic in this well-crafted text. Fans of E.L. Konigsburg's novel will enjoy the descriptions of the Met and its many rooms. Readers will also recognize authors and their works as J.R. reflects on her favorite stories while deliberating over reading assignments. Mrs. Kline's magic is just odd enough to intrigue but not alarm readers, and the hometown book store is a warm, inviting space they will wish to visit often. Black-and-white pencil drawings augment each chapter. VERDICT Well-paced chapters and captivating characters will keep readers entertained and may also inspire some writing.--Carol Connor