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Gin Price has been filling Hello Kitty diaries and homework notepads with stories and ideas since the sixth grade. Previously published in other genres, she decided to take a break and write an adventure story that had been nagging at her for years. On Edge is the first in what she hopes is a long and exciting career in Young Adult Mysteries.
Even though Emanuella does gymnastics for her school team, free running makes her the happiest. She and her street buddy Surge run the streets, not seeing the objects like stairs and bike racks as impediments, but rather as a means to increase speed. The free runners have a gang that runs the streets on the poorer side of town while the graffiti artists have a gang as well. The two rival groups challenge each other for turf and space while the town considers both groups juvenile delinquents. Because of low enrollment, the school district consolidates two high schools, forcing the different groups to attend the same school. Violence erupts, but for LL, Emanuella's street name, attending the new school introduces her to Haze, a well-known writer (graffiti artist). In true star-crossed lovers' style, the two meet secretly to keep their relationship hidden from LL's brother. The story deepens when LL finds out that Haze's sister was killed while drawing a picture as a tribute to Haze. Was the killer from a rival gang? A jealous writer? Or could it be Haze himself? LL finds herself considering everyone around her as a possible suspect. As more bits and pieces of the story emerge, LL discovers many secrets surrounding the girl's death. The story ends with a bit of a twist, and the killer is revealed. VERDICT The story's gritty, urban setting will appeal to many readers, while the use of free running and graffiti as the basis for the gangs adds the touch of realism and rebellion many teens will enjoy. * <b><i>School Library Journal</i></b> * There is a lot to be said about overcoming prejudices and this book seems to be a contribution to the conversation. I was concerned when I first read the synopsis that it might delve into the painful type of book that would start preaching about said topic. But thankfully, Gin Price manages to naturally weave it into the very fabric of her story....It also helps that the book is very well written. The voice is strong, the flow is seamless, and the plot goes along at a great pace - neither too slow to bore readers nor too fast to lose them. * <b><i>Sahar's Blog</i></b> * Intriguing characters, a different take on an urban landscape, and the element of mystery will captivate readers. * <b><i>Kirkus Reviews</i></b> * While Price doesn't fully dive into the cultures of freerunning and graffiti, the novel offers a fresh voice and opens the door to dialogue about what constitutes criminality. * <b><i>Publishers Weekly</i></b> *
