TAKE IT FROM THE TOP, by Claire Swinarski, Quill Tree Books, Nov. 19, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)
Follow the friendship between two girls from different backgrounds over the course of six summers in Take It from the Top, by Claire Swinarski.
Eowyn Becker has waited all year to attend her sixth summer at Lamplighter Lake Summer Camp. Here, she’s not in the shadow of her Broadway-star older brother; she’s a stellar performer in her own right. Here, the pain of her mom’s death can’t reach her, and she gets to reunite with her best friend, Jules Marrigan—the only person in the world who understands her.
But when she gets to camp, everything seems wrong. The best-friend reunion Eowyn had been dreaming of doesn’t go as planned. Jules will barely even look at Eowyn, let alone talk to her, and Eowyn has no idea why.
Well, maybe she does…
There are two sides to every story, and if you want to understand this one, you’ll need to hear both. Told in a series of alternating chapters that dip back to past summers, the girls’ story will soon reveal how Eowyn and Jules went from being best friends to fierce foils. Can they mend ways before the curtains close on what was supposed to be the best summer of their lives? —Synopsis provided by Quill Tree Books
The release of Take It from the Top is perfectly timed with the movie release of Wicked. That’s because Wicked is the show central to the story, making this the perfect book for musical theater geeks.
Author Claire Swinarski really captures theater culture with all the magic, awe, ups and downs, and incredibly hard work. Her writing is bright and comfortable. Her characters are well-developed and are believable. This is true from the supporting cast, as well. The camp setting is relatable and full of an enjoyable group of kids.
Take It from the Top is fast and full of heart. This one is a must-read for theater lovers.
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