Ninth Grade Blues

"For gritty content, readers should look elsewhere—no sex, drugs, or binge-drinking here. But these teens’ everyday interactions, doubts, and triumphs ring true, and readers should want to find out what happens to them next in Ingram’s upcoming second novel, Tenth Grade Angst."- Kirkus ReviewsNinth Grade Blues follows four teens through the adventures and misadventures, ups and downs of life in the first year of high school. They contend with classes and tests, worry about going out on dates, struggle with not being able to drive, and dread being called on by teachers they do not like. Interweaving first person stories are told by:Luke: a shy, hard working, poorly dressed boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Luke is mediocre at basketball, mediocre at baseball, and mediocre at school. But he has hidden talents in science--he is a budding fisherman, hunter, and naturalist-- and he is even appealing to some girls, unbeknownst to himself.Elly: sociable and friendly, Elly worries about getting a boy to like her. She has chubby legs, frizzy hair, and a few excess pounds gained over the summer. However, she is also a top notch student. Elly has her life mapped out, all the way through a big church wedding (groom to be determined later) and a nice house in the suburbs.Marcus: a freshman superstar, Marcus plays football and basketball at the varsity level and has his sights set on a D-I college scholarship. He worries about having to choose between playing in the NBA and the NFL. Marcus regards himself as God's gift to women, and caroms through a series of irate girlfriends while he blows off his classes.Mia: a smart, dedicated girl who gets straight A's and will definitely go to college. Her first-generation Mexican-American parents are hard working and intent on matching her up with a nice Hispanic boy. But Mia and Luke begin studying together, and very soon, Mia develops other opinions about where her heart lies.

Gr 9 Up—After three eventful years, four friends enter their final year of high school. Elly, Luke, Marcus, and Mia have seen their share of highs and lows. Beyond the expected standardized tests, AP classes, prom and homecoming dances, and endless college applications, they have also survived abusive relationships, eating disorders, racism, divorce, death, and star-crossed romances. In the final installment of the "American High School" series, senior year brings even more twists and turns as the friends and their peers finalize plans for the future while navigating their feelings about leaving it all behind. Luke is finally overcoming the "white trash" label that was placed upon him and is becoming more confident in his talents, while embracing a new yet unexpected relationship. Elly, who is from a white, upper-class family, is grappling with her feelings for a longtime crush while dealing with how her status-conscious parents will react to this new relationship. Star athlete Marcus, who is Black, focuses more on history class and less on basketball, and thrives in all areas of his life. Mia, the daughter of first-generation Mexican American parents, is on track to graduate at the top of her class and enter college to become a pediatrician. The four friends can't wait to graduate but they are frightened at the thought of losing each other. This is a portrait of high school in America today. VERDICT A relatable read for high school students, especially those who are fans of the first three books in the series.—Elizabeth Blake, Fields Corner Lib., Dorchester, MA