Ideal High

First-time author Ipson weaves a suspenseful mystery about the deaths of several students from a West Texas high school in a fire, an “after-party gone wrong.” One week before the new school year begins, an angry intruder comes on stage at the school memorial service and insists that his brother also died in the fire, even though the boy’s name isn’t mentioned. Though the fire is initially ruled an accident, emerging details and rumors about the night it broke out collide with the harsh realities of life at Ideal High. Ipson deftly tackles universal themes of bullying, alienation, loss, and renewed hope as senior Taryn Young must decide if, as student body president and fire survivor, she can pick up where “good guy” Blake Montgomery left off and bring about positive change at the school. Smart, quick-witted, and open-minded, Taryn is an easy protagonist to root for. Occasional extraneous scenes and details can be distracting at times, but overall Ipson delivers a gripping story about self-discovery, growth, and overcoming tragedy. Ages 12–up. (BookLife)