The Window

Fifteen-year-old Jess Cutter grieves the loss of her twin sister, Anna, in Brunskill’s thoughtful debut. After Anna falls to her death while sneaking out of her second-story bedroom window, Jess realizes that her sister was keeping secrets, and she wonders how much she really knew about her sibling and closest friend. Jess was always the more difficult twin—blunt, argumentative—and she investigates Anna’s secret life in a forceful manner, awkwardly talking to Anna’s friends, joining the track team in Anna’s place, and following Anna’s English teacher home and surveilling him because of rumors about their “special” relationship. Tracing Anna’s footsteps forces Jess outside of her comfort zone and into some sketchy parts of their small Montana town as she uncovers secrets held by Anna and others. Jess is a well-developed and empathetic character who opens up to friendship, life, and the possibility of romance over the course of her investigation. It’s a heartfelt depiction of the grieving process and a thought-provoking exploration of secret lives kept hidden. Ages 12–up. Agent: Bridget Smith, Dunham Literary. (Apr.)