Sarah and Darah

Gr 7 Up–Darah was sent away as a child for a fire she claims she didn’t start. Her childhood friend Sarah, now in high school, is enjoying popularity until Darah comes back to town, set to uncover the truth of what really happened that night and threaten everything Sarah has built in her absence. Author Pinckney brilliantly heightens the stakes of the story, adding plenty of rich kid drama and backstabbing for readers who can’t get enough teenage tension. However, detailed parental finance threads and other subplots slow the pacing down and potentially overstuff the narrative. Prado’s artwork feels anime inspired, which will add to the appeal for some readers, but unfortunately doesn’t quite match the energy of the piece, as character expressions and backgrounds often feel flat and one-note. Sarah and Darah are both white.