Auracle

The dream of seeing a supernova or the island of Madagascar can be a great escape from the realities of living with an alcoholic parent—and 17-year-old Anna Rogan lives those fantasies. She knows how to leave her body, traveling the astral plane at the speed of thought. She even has someone she can talk to about it: her best friend Rei has known Anna’s secret since they were four, and he has been covering for her nearly as long. He also knows the risks, which Anna blithely disregards, but neither of them is prepared for the day when spoiled rich girl Taylor Gleason refuses to die, taking over Anna’s temporarily unoccupied body. With a friend implicated in Taylor’s death and a body living a life beyond her control, Anna must rely on Rei in a partnership that goes far beyond their previous friendship. Rosati makes an assured debut, with a narrator who is believably young yet pragmatic. Anna’s judgment is still a work in progress, but that progression is evident and deeply engaging. Ages 12–up. Agent: Andrea Somberg, Harvey Klinger. (Aug.)