Lessons in Falling

High school senior Savannah Gregory is done with gymnastics. Despite her parents’ wishes and the allure of a college scholarship, Savannah’s most recent knee injury has shaken her self-confidence. Savannah and her best friend Cassie, a rebel who can make anything into an adventure, plan to move to New York City together, but then Cassie attempts suicide, seemingly out of the blue, and is found on the beach by Savannah’s new love interest: kind, ambitious Marcos. Savannah questions her friendship with Cassie, especially when tension arises between Cassie and Marcos, and after Savannah runs into an old teammate, she reconsiders a future in gymnastics, bolstered by Marcos’s encouragement. But giving up her past with Cassie for an uncertain future proves difficult. Debut author Gallagher’s background as a gymnastics instructor comes through in a story that captures the guilt and insecurity that can plague unhealthy relationships, set against a backdrop of racism and anti-immigrant sentiments in Savannah’s community. Although Cassie’s suicide attempt is swept by with surprising speed, it’s satisfying to follow Savannah as she finds her way. Ages 12–up. (Feb.)