Alphin, Elaine Marie. Simon says.

ALPHIN, Elaine Marie. Simon says. Harcourt. 258p. c2002.0-15-204678-X. $6.95. S

This unusual and compelling novel takes readers inside Whitman High School for the Arts, where students argue about things like whether or not Ravel based his quartet on Debussy's work. Alphin takes readers into the psyches of students whose friendships are founded upon their passion for artistic expression. Against the wishes of his practical parents, Charles Weston has come to Whitman not to pursue his art studies but to meet Graeme Brandt, the young author of a novel called The Eye of the Storm. Because his novel mocks the great game of life, Simon Says, its author must know the secret of how to avoid reflecting back to others only the person they want to see. Unexpected help comes in the form of Adrian, a gay musician/ composer, and Rachel, to whom Charles represents both a kindred spirit and also one of her most challenging puzzles to solve. If, in the final pages, the author expends unnecessary energy to drive home her point, she gets everything else just right. Do we choose who we are or are we born that way? These and other questions raised in the novel provide plenty of scope for discussion. Jessica Swaim, Cataloger, Cherry Creek Sob., Denver, CO

S--Recommended for senior high school students.