The Museum of Us

Sadie, 16, knows George is a figment of her imagination, but that doesn’t stop her from being drawn to him over and over again. Together, they have explored the amazing Star Palace, danced a perfect waltz, and examined a beautiful museum filled with their shared memories. In this intriguing debut novel that draws a delicate line between imagination and insanity, Redd paints a stunning yet disturbing portrait of a teen whose escape into fantasy is beginning to affect her day-to-day life. During the past several months, it has become increasingly challenging for Sadie to keep George hidden from her parents, her best friend, and her devoted boyfriend. Then, after a car accident, Sadie is rushed to the emergency room and cries out George’s name. Her secret is out, and she has some explaining to do. Dreamlike sequences of Sadie’s escapades with George alternate with less romanticized scenes from Sadie’s past and present, including her sessions with a hospital psychiatrist, and the suspense grows as George’s origin, and his connection to a traumatic event from Sadie’s childhood, comes to light. In a story of heartwrenching goodbyes and brave new beginnings, Redd offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a troubled teen as she begins the healing process. Ages 14–up. [em](June) [/em]