cover image Being Sloane Jacobs

Being Sloane Jacobs

Lauren Morrill. Delacorte, $17.99 (352p) ISBN 978-0-385-74179-8

Morrill (Meant To Be) delivers a twist on the identity-swap that's both cozily familiar and fresh. Enter the two Sloane Jacobs: one is a pampered D.C. socialite who's faltering in the high-stakes world of ice skating; the other is a Philadelphia native whose hockey moves need sharpening and temper needs taming. When both Sloanes (who conveniently resemble one another) accidentally meet in Canada after being shipped off to summer camps to hone their respective skills, they hatch a plan to switch places, thus relieving them from the pressures dogging them at home. Their new environments present no shortage of challenges, but the Sloanes tackle them with doggedness and humility; believably detestable antagonists at each camp raise the stakes for both teens. Morrill includes some lighthearted romantic intrigue, but doesn't allow it to overshadow the girls' struggle to figure out who they are and what they want. The ending%E2%80%94sweetly uplifting and just a touch sappy%E2%80%94offers a pleasing resolution to a relatable coming-of-age story. A Paper Lantern Lit property. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. Agent: Stephen Barbara, Foundry Literary + Media. (Jan.)