All the Major Constellations

Starred review from August 31, 2015
A life-changing tragedy just before high school graduation leaves Andrew without the support of his two best friends as he faces a lonely summer navigating his family’s alcoholic dysfunction. Newcomer Cranse deftly portrays Andrew’s confused attempts to cope; the phrase “moving through darkness” repeats throughout the book. His longing for a place to belong leaves him unexpectedly open to new relationships, particularly with Laura, an enigmatic girl he has adored for years. The novel’s sympathetic portrayal of Laura’s fundamentalist Christian youth group captures familiar cliques and rivalries inherent in any teenage gathering, and respectfully conveys the members’ varied and complex religious experiences (most compellingly that of John, “a born-again surfer-dude warrior on the cover of a fantasy book,” whose faith condemns his sexual orientation). As Andrew, despite his agnosticism, participates in Bible studies, soup kitchens, conversations, and hikes, he wonders about personal experiences that feel surprisingly spiritual: “he’d felt—he didn’t know another way to describe it—moved.” Set in her native Vermont, Cranse’s compassionate debut astutely conveys the joys, heartaches, and angst of coming-of-age. Ages 14–up. Agent: Esmond Harmsworth, Zachary Shuster Harmsworth Literary Agency.

Starred review from September 1, 2015
Easygoing Vermonter Andrew discovers the complexities of spirituality and sexuality in this heartfelt debut. Andrew has two best friends in his life-smart, understanding Marcia and vivacious, flirtatious Sara. The girl he really wants, though, is ever unobtainable Laura, who socializes only with members of her fundamentalist church. When a tragic accident, just days before the class of 1995 graduates, leaves one friend incapacitated and the other helping with round-the-clock care, Laura (perhaps playing on Andrew's vulnerability?) invites him to join her evangelical group. Seizing any opportunity for a chance to be near Laura, he accepts. Andrew's surprised, however, when he feels a stirring inside (or is he just hungry and dehydrated?), when he kind of likes their touchy-feely interactions (but do guys really touch like that?), and when a seemingly virginal girl makes sexual advances (but hasn't he always wanted Laura?). His confusing and overwhelming emotions ring true as he begins to question a wide range of religious and sexual experiences. Further complicating Andrew's transitional summer are an alcoholic father and star-athlete brother, both prone to violent behavior, especially toward him. Moments of wry humor compliment Andrew's subtle changes as he realizes there are no easy answers, perhaps not even one right answer. Readers will cheer him on as he makes a path to find his answers. A stellar voice to watch. (Historical fiction. 14 & up)

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November 1, 2015

Gr 10 Up-Andrew is prepared to graduate from high school, work his summer job, and finally escape his alcoholic father. His plans are thrown for a loop when one of his best friends, Sara, is in a coma after a car accident and his other best friend, Marcia, becomes distant as she helps to care for Sara. The fact that Andrew's older, baseball-star, bully brother is coming home from college only makes his home life more unbearable. A note slipped to him from his longtime crush, Laura, leads Andrew to a fundamentalist Christian youth group. Could this be the answer to his grief over Sara, and is this a way to finally score with Laura? As the protagonist meets others in the group who are struggling in their own ways, he must confront his emotions about his family, Sara's life-threatening situation, and his own spiritual beliefs. The satisfying conclusion leaves readers with hope and a sense that the journey is just beginning for the teen. Adolescents will relate to Andrew's exploration of religion and a world bigger than himself. Cranse creates an atmosphere where characters are safe to find humor in the face of tragedy and question the paths laid before them. The novel avoids making a commentary on religion, instead focusing on what can contribute to a personal sense of spirituality and the effort this involves. VERDICT Older fans of realistic fiction will enjoy riding along with Andrew.-Carrie Fox, South Park High School, PA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2015
Grades 9-12 High-school grad Andrew is gobsmacked when one of his best friends, Sara, is hurt in a horrific car accident, and his other best friend, Marcia, moves to a trauma center to aid in her care. That leaves Andrew alone, upset, and dealing with his older brother, a bullying college football star. Laura, Andrew's longtime crush and a stalwart Christian, gives Andrew her number in case he needs to talk. Andrew is so dazzled by Laura, he follows her to her church group, where he finds both solace and confusion. First-time author Cranse juggles a lot herefamily dynamics, catastrophic illness, religious experiences, deeply personal issuesand things do fall through the cracks. For instance, the church group, though consistently described as not born-again, is never well defined, seemingly made up of a few kids with no adults around. But Andrew is nicely drawn, and his frustrations are particularly well depicted. His struggles are less about religion and more about people, and that makes for an impressive debut.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)