<div><b>Stereotypes, sexuality, and destructive rumors collide in this smart YA novel for fans of Sara Zarr’s<i>Story of a Girl</i>, Siobhan Vivian’s <i>The List</i>, and E. Lockhart’s <i>The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks</i>.</b><br><br>When Rebecca Rivers lands the lead in her school’s production of <i>The Crucible</i>, she gets to change roles in real life, too. She casts off her old reputation, grows close with her four rowdy cast-mates, and kisses the extremely handsome Charlie Lamb onstage. Even Mr. McFadden, the play’s critical director, can find no fault with Rebecca.<br><br>Though The Essential Five” vow never to date each other, Rebecca can’t help her feelings for Charlie, leaving her both conflicted and lovestruck. But the on and off-stage drama of the cast is eclipsed by a life-altering accusation that threatens to destroy everythingeven if some of it is just make believe.<br><br></div>