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Reviewed by: Break to You by Neal Shusterman Alaine Martaus Shusterman, Neal Break to You; by Neal Schusterman, Debra Young, and Michelle Knowlden. Quill Tree, 2024 432p Trade ed. ISBN 9780062875761 19. 99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780062875785 10. 99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 8-12 Teens Adriana Zarahn and Artorias Jonathon "Jon" Kilgore are inmates at Compass Juvenile Detention Center: new girl Adriana for a short stint, alpha prisoner Jon for a sentence that will carry into adulthood. Though physically separated, the two inadvertently connect when Adriana's journal falls into Jon's hands, and he writes End Page 374 back. With the journal as go-between and a shared library as a hiding place, the two form an unexpected friendship that quickly turns to more. Yet even as they find love and hatch a plot to meet face-to-face, they must wrangle with harsh realities surrounding them. With its emotional intensity, thoughtful storytelling, and wrenching conclusion, this addictive, gently romantic page-turner will hit readers in both the heart and the gut. Although chapters alternate between viewpoints in third-person, there's power in the singularity of each voice, giving the narrative a first-person intimacy. Adriana is deflecting the importance of her multiracial identity as she seeks a safe space amongst girls with hard shells and deep secrets. Jon, meanwhile, is attempting to maintain power as a Black boy with a system against him, dealing with an erratic sidekick, a needy newbie, and increasingly determined enemies. The two are compelling leads, and their situations give readers plenty to ponder about race, remorse, crime, and punishment; further layers are explored through the memorable, racially diverse cast of compatriots and conspirators. A late chapter caper, a brief but sweet interlude between lovers, and a stunning betrayal, meanwhile, provide a cinematic climax sure to keep readers' attention through the end. Hand this to readers who value ride-or-die friendships and hard-won heartache, and those who grew up loving Holes and are ready to grapple with a grittier take on juvenile justice. Copyright © 2024 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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