Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature

Brande tackles fundamentalist thinking and the hot-button issue of evolution vs. intelligent design in her ambitious YA debut. Mena, an immediately likable narrator, spends the first week of high school dodging social and academic landmines. She's been banished from her fundamentalist church, where some members now face a lawsuit because of her, and her intimidating classmates/former church friends aren't about to let her forget it. The author's slow revelation of the back story will hook readers from the start: what could this nice girl possibly have done? “I did the right thing,” Mena tells herself on the opening day of school after her ex–best friend shoots her the “Look of Death.” “And someday the truth shall set me free. Just not, apparently, today.” When the narrative moves forward to introduce a dynamic new science teacher, Mena faces controversy once more. Luckily, a brainy (and cute) lab partner and his outspoken older sister help Mena find her footing. Brande stacks the decks against the creationists—their followers bully a kid they think might be gay; they turn on their children; they behave badly in general—but the fluid storytelling offers thought-provoking situations and ideas. Ages 12-up. (Aug.)