A Guide to Falling Off the Map

Gr 9 Up–A coming-of-age story featuring two teens, Vinnie and Roo, taking an impromptu road trip. Vinnie has big dreams that are in danger of being dashed (and friend drama too), so she decides it’s a great time to help (or strongly nudge) her childhood best friend Roo, who dropped out of school the previous year, to take steps toward becoming a photographer. For his part, the smitten Roo longs to be there for Vinnie as a friend (and more) and help her process her feelings about her mother’s death by suicide. It’s a touching, authentic story of loss, friendship, and navigating unexpected challenges. The dual narration captures the emotional range and depth of each character’s journey, from Vinnie’s effervescent excitement to Roo’s frequent frustration and many points between, with wonderful snark wielded by both. The ­pacing reflects the mood and level of action, whether it’s a scene infused with melancholy or a situation fueled by fear or angst.