More New Books from December

Three Black Swans by Caroline B. Cooney

Sixteen-year-old Missy and her cousin Claire are best friends, with a striking physical resemblance and an even stronger emotional connection. So, when Missy’s science teacher gives the class an assignment to create a believable scientific hoax backed by evidence, Missy arranges for a filmed interview on their school’s morning TV broadcast in which she and Claire pretend they are actually identical twins, separated at birth and newly reunited. The joke’s on them, however, because Missy and Claire really are identical twins.

A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley

Charlie is a painfully shy but talented singer-songwriter who never performs for anyone and has always wanted to be part of Rose’s circle during her frequent visits from the city. Rose longs to get away from the stifling small-town atmosphere and has won a scholarship to a prestigious high school in the city to study science. Rose sees Charlie as a ticket to a new life, while Charlie sees Rose as a friend, something she desperately needs in her dysfunctional family.  Crowley’s tale of love, loss, and betrayal in small-town Australia is built around music as a means of communication. In alternating chapters,these very different girls reveal their thoughts, desires, and plans.

(Sources for summaries are the Booklist reviews for each novel.)