CLAIM TO FAME

Sixteen-year-old Lindsay was a child star on a popular TV sitcom, but now, in this character study with a sci-fi twist, she hides in her house, terrified to go outside. When young local fans see—and believe—a tabloid horror story, they try to help Lindsay by kidnapping her. Although the kids let her go, she’s forced to struggle with her real talent—not acting, but the awful ability to hear everything anyone in the world says about her unless she stays in her “safe” house. Haddix focuses the story on Lindsay’s quest to uncover the origin of her hearing ability and on her looming choice between continuing to hide or finding a way to cope with her difficulties. The veteran writer has the ability to make her characters recognizable even with brief sketches, and she holds attention with the mounting suspense of Lindsay’s dilemma, especially when her choices turn out to be wrong. At last, the story becomes a parable about finding the strength to confront fears. An intriguing and often exciting diversion for young readers. (Science fiction. 10-14)