Azar on Fire

Azar Rossi, 14 and of Argentinian, Italian, and Iranian descent, must overcome her fears about using her voice in this uplifting novel, which features characters from Abtahi’s debut, Perfectly Parvin. Though Azar dreams of being a singer-songwriter, frequent throat infections as well as nodules on her vocal cords render her voice “scratchy and warbly,” making her too self-conscious to speak most days, let alone sing. After accidentally damaging “about a thousand dollars’ worth of equipment and school property,” however, her principal suggests she sign up to compete in a local Battle of the Bands competition and help repay the school. Now, Azar must go from barely speaking to trying to persuade three of her classmates into joining her ensemble. She eventually recruits white lacrosse player Eben, a hottie who has the perfect voice; Lebanese exchange student Nadim, a bassist; and Argentinian American guitarist Matty. The racially diverse and queer-inclusive cast add nuance to this upbeat tale; while discussing her growing feelings for Eben, Azar realizes she may be demisexual. Azar’s evolution from reclusive loner to social butterfly is well wrought, if somewhat predictable, and her frank first-person narration and struggle toward learning how to work in a team is humorous and endearing. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Aug.)