Breakout

Set in Seattle, Emerson’s tale explores the trials of guitarist and singer Anthony Castillo, whose only reprieve from the misery of eighth grade is band practice and the prospect of performing an original song at the school’s upcoming Fall Arts Night. Anthony compares his daily challenges to scenarios in Liberation Force 4.5, a video game he plays with his best friend Keenan: “Every time you tunnel out, you end up against another concrete wall topped with barbed wire and grown-ups in the sentry posts.” Rage at being unfairly grounded inspires Anthony to write heartfelt lyrics that describe his sense of entrapment and include a few emphatic profanities. After Keenan uploads the song to the group’s BandSpace page and it becomes an overnight sensation, Anthony faces daunting pressures and high-stakes choices. Emerson (the Atlanteans series) captures the heady mixture of pride, vulnerability, amazement, and fear Anthony feels in having created something of personal significance that, once public, takes on a life of its own. Angst-ridden romantic undercurrents and well-drawn supporting characters enrich this satisfying coming-of-age story. Ages 12–up. Agent: George Nicholson, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Feb.)