Undercover

Starred review from October 1, 2007
Kephart (A Slant of Sun
) makes a smooth transition from adult nonfiction to YA fiction with this intelligent, multilayered love story. Instead of inheriting her mother's beauty like her older sister, highschool sophomore Elisa shares her father's wild hair and talent for observation (“Dad likes to say, about both of us, that we're undercover operatives who see the world better than the world sees us,” says Elisa). At school, she ghostwrites poems and romantic metaphors for smitten boys to give to girls (“Dear Lori, Last night I left my window open and a firefly flew through. So much light and all I could think of was you. Love Matt”). Although she's lonely, all goes well enough until Elisa becomes attracted to Theo, who has drafted her to write love notes for a pretty but manipulative girl with a pronounced cruel streak. Elisa's poetic, unself-conscious descriptions of nature (especially what occurs at a pond, her favorite place for reflection) gracefully evoke her loneliness for her father, away on business (or is his absence prolonged by marital distress?); her frustrations with herself for always staying in the shadows; and her anger at Theo for going along with his girlfriend's mistreatment of her. Neatly balancing action and contemplation, Kephart offers a plethora of images, ideas about literature and even some well-known poems along with a plot that will speak to many teens. Ages 12-up.

Starred review from October 1, 2007
Gr 9 Up-This is a beautifully written, engrossing tale of a painfully introverted and self-effacing teen who slowly finds herself, along with love, a passion for skating, and new words and ways to use them. The central theme is based on "Cyrano d'Bergerac"; Elisa has been writing notes for boys' girlfriends, but upon studying the play in her English class and starting to have feelings for one of her clients, she begins to ponder her role. Elisa's voiceand her taleis laden with poetic metaphor; she learns to skate alone at a solitary pond in the freezing winter's evenings as foxes and crows look on; the teacher who is "too blond for her pale skin" hides untold depths; and her father (and idol) is an advice-giving business consultant whose apparent inability to prioritize his own life is destroying his marriage. Kephart prevents this strange loner from being too painful or unsympathetic by giving her a contemplative voice, one that finds solace in nature and poetry. She also includes some rather sophisticated literary analysis without sounding preachy. The temporal setting is unclear, presumably the 1980s or early '90s. With its highly sympathetic character, a melancholic mood turning gradually to one of hope, and its generous and languorous use of language, this is a book that no serious-minded teen will want to miss, and high school English teachers may also take note as it has a well-crafted and highly teachable text."Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 15, 2007
Dad likes to say, about both of us, that were undercover operatives who see the world better than the world sees us. Like her father, a traveling consultant, Elisa has leveraged her talent for looking closely and seeing what others dont. A loner and a talented writer, she operates an undercover business ghostwriting love messages for boys who struggle to express their feelings. Elisa finds her inspiration in nature, particularly on trips to a secluded pond, where, in winter, she teaches herself how to skate. As her parents marriage strains dangerously during her fathers long absences, Elisa escapes to the pond, where one of her clients, fellow student Theo, begins to follow her. In her first novel for young adults, Kephart tells a moving story of a young teen whose first powerful crush is tempered by the aching sense that her family is pulling apart. Although itstoo convenient that Elisas English class is studying Edmund Rostands Cyranno de Bergerac, readers will fall easily into the compelling premise and Elisas memorable, graceful voice, andhave no troublerecognizingthe teensquiet courage as she leaves her comfortable isolation, claims her own talents, and embraces the people who matter most.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2008
Self-conscious, hyper-observant high schooler Elisa ghostwrites her classmates' love notes and poems. Her developing feelings for one of her clients and an emerging figure-skating avocation prompt a more active participation in life. Strained family dynamics and an inspiring English teacher contribute further complications. Plot is secondary to character, sensation, and imagery in this book of sharply observed relationships and evocative prose.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)