Early Reader Review: Take It from the Top by Claire Swinarski

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Take It from the Top by Claire Swinarski 

Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Publication Date:  November 19, 2024

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Set at a camp over the course of six summers, this novel dives into the falling-out of two girls from different backgrounds who thought they'd be friends forever. Claire Swinarski, regional indie bestseller of the ALA Notable What Happened to Rachel Riley?, tackles privilege, perspective, and the power of friendship in this page-turning puzzle that readers will devour.

Eowyn Becker has waited all year to attend her sixth summer at Lamplighter Lake Summer Camp. Here, she’s not in the shadow of her Broadway-star older brother; she’s a stellar performer in her own right. Here, the pain of her mom’s death can’t reach her, and she gets to reunite with her best friend, Jules Marrigan—the only person in the world who understands her.

But when she gets to camp, everything seems wrong. The best-friend reunion Eowyn had been dreaming of doesn’t go as planned. Jules will barely even look at Eowyn, let alone talk to her, and Eowyn has no idea why.

Well, maybe she does…

There are two sides to every story, and if you want to understand this one, you’ll need to hear both. Told in a series of alternating chapters that dip back to past summers, the girls’ story will soon reveal how Eowyn and Jules went from being best friends to fierce foils. Can they mend ways before the curtains close on what was supposed to be the best summer of their lives?

Review: 

This is a heartfelt story set in a theater camp beautifully captures the bond between two young girls from very different worlds. Told from dual points of view, it delves into themes of privilege, jealousy, family dynamics, and friendship. 

Eowyn's struggles with her distant father contrast with Jules' loving and supportive family. The girls are dealing with jealousy but also their gratitude for their opportunity to attend camp. The story portrays a nuanced exploration of their differences and changing friendship. 

The emotional depth and relatable characters made this a compelling read that left me reflecting on the importance of empathy and understanding. I think that middle grade readers will really enjoy the different points of view and how the girls interact with each other and their lives. The theme is relatable in some ways and a bit much at times as well, but overall the story is well put together and the pacing is great as you learn about the summers the girls have spent together previously and how we have gotten to this point. 

... And with the upcoming release of Wicked the musical/ movie... Younger readers will also know that sotry and the songs that go along with it. 

Overall, this was a fun and quick read. It was emotional on both sides but also a very fun story.