Between the Notes

After a sudden bankruptcy, Ivy Emerson faces every teenager’s worst nightmare: moving. Forced to leave behind the majority of her belongings in the family mansion at Westside Falls and move to a shabby apartment in the “slums” of Lakeside, Ivy struggles to hide her lack of wealth in secrets and lies. Not only does Ivy have to live in a smaller home, but she has to live next to Lennie Lazarski, the reputed drug dealer. and outcast of the school. In the midst of all this, Ivy discovers who her true friends are, and those who only befriend her because of status. Along the course of the school year, she discovers a pen pal without a name. She quickly befriends this unknown person, believing it to be James Wickerton, a new student with all the girls vying for his attention. Will Ivy find herself caught up in the lies, or will she discover the truth in between the notes?

Between the Notes is a cleverly written coming-of-age novel that deals with more than first glance suggests. Roat examines a perspective of a financially struggling family, as well as the social burdens placed upon them. True to form, the characters exhibit believable personalities and reactions appropriate for their situations. In addition to this, Roat includes the dynamic character of Ivy, and “invites” the reader to accompany her journey of discovering herself and accepting reality.