Stereotypes, sexuality, and destructive rumors collide in this smart YA novel for fans of Sara Zarr s "Story of a Girl," Siobhan Vivian s "The List," and E. Lockhart s "The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks."
When Rebecca Rivers lands the lead in her school s production of "The Crucible," she gets to change roles in real life, too. She casts off her old reputation, grows close with her four rowdy cast-mates, and kisses the extremely handsome Charlie Lamb onstage. Even Mr. McFadden, the play s critical director, can find no fault with Rebecca.
Though The Essential Five vow never to date each other, Rebecca can t help her feelings for Charlie, leaving her both conflicted and lovestruck. But the on and off-stage drama of the cast is eclipsed by a life-altering accusation that threatens to destroy everything even if some of it is just make believe."