Can't Look Away

Gr 9 Up—Torrey Grey (Beautystarz15) is a YouTube teen sensation. Her videos on fashion and shopping "hauls" have earned her articles in Teen Vogue and a league of online worshippers. Younger sister Miranda could not care less about beauty or fashion; her main interests lie with comics and superheros. While accompanying Torrey and a friend on a video shoot, Miranda is killed by a drunk driver while standing in the middle of a crosswalk. Sympathy for Torrey is quickly changed to blame when a video of an argument between Torrey and Miranda, recorded shortly before the accident, is posted. Moving from Denver to a small Texas town is culture shock for the main character; the fear of being discovered by the fashion-conscious popular crowd complicates friendship issues, as does being friendly with the ex-boyfriend of the most popular girl in school. Newspaper articles about the accident and aftermath and tips from Torrey on fashion introduce chapters. Thoughtful messages about regret and the price of fame are poignant without being heavy-handed. Day of the Dead customs are significant aspects of the story, which makes for a unique multicultural twist. The portrayal of the impact of a child's death on a family is authentic. The protagonist's pain and remorse are raw and deeply defined. She may not be immediately likable by some readers, but her journey through grief and her "new normal" will draw empathy. Although Torrey's story is atypical, common themes of fitting in, boy-girl relationships, and sisterhood are universal.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA