 | Off the record Author: Garrett, Camryn | |
| Price: $9.01 | ||
Summary:
A teen journalist uncovers the #metoo scandal of the decade: a bigshot Hollywood director is taking advantage of cast members.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: UG Reading Level: 4.30 Points: 12.0 Quiz: 516385 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (04/01/21)
School Library Journal (+) (00/05/21)
Booklist (05/15/21)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/05/21)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 05/01/2021 Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year-old Josie Wright wins a contest that allows her to write a celebrity profile for Deep Focus magazine so she tags along with her subject, Marius Canet, on a multicity press tour where he is promoting his upcoming movie. While her reason for being on this tour is to write about Marius, she soon finds herself with another article staring her in the face: Marius' co-star Penny informs her about being sexually assaulted by a big-time director, and that she isn't the only one. Josie collects the stories of various women but still wonders if she is the one to share them publicly and expose the truth. Garrett's sophomore novel is a fantastic story and remarkable testament to the #MeToo movement. All of the sexual assault happens off-page, with the stories only being mentioned to Josie. The subject matter is handled in an appropriate manner, suitable for teens. Josie and Marius are Black, and Penny is white. VERDICT A worthy purchase on a timely subject.—Amanda Borgia, Uniondale P.L., NY - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 05/15/2021 Josie’s dedication to writing has paid off. In addition to having her name in bylines all over the internet, she’s been chosen to be an on-site reporter on the press junket for the movie Incident on 57th Street. Her task: compile a profile on the film’s up-and-coming star, Marius Canet. It’s the experience of a lifetime—in more ways than one. While conducting interviews, she stumbles upon a secret regarding famed director Roy Lennox and several actresses in his movies. As she learns more about Lennox’s sexual misconduct, Josie must decide whether to remain an innocent teen pop-culture reporter or to do the right thing and cover this story. In Garrett’s capable hands, Josie is a uniquely empathetic protagonist. Despite her accolades, she still harbors insecurities due to her age and her complex relationship with her full-figured body. Her vulnerability is a narrative strength that empowers her later dilemma about exposing a sexual predator. Readers will be gripped by Josie’s tenacity, courage, and skill as she navigates a complex adult world of reputations and journalistic integrity. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
