Library book: The New Girl by Jesse Sutanto

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Published: 2/1/2022

Pages: 370

Genre: Teen/YA

Review: library book

Amazon

Lia Setiawan has never really fit in. When she wins a full ride to the prestigious Draycott Academy on a track scholarship, she's determined to make it work even though she's never felt more out of place. But on her first day there she witnesses a girl being forcefully carried away by campus security. Her new schoolmates and teachers seem unfazed, but it leaves her unsure of what she's gotten herself into. As she uncovers the secrets of Draycott, complete with a corrupt teacher, a golden boy who isn't what he seems, and a blackmailer determined to get her thrown out, she's not sure if she can trust anyone--especially when the threats against her take a deadly turn.

The new girl, is it what she expects? As our story unfolds, Lia learns that not everything is what you expect. 

Lia can only attend this prestigious school because of a scholarship, so she knows the high stakes and can not mess up. So when her first encounter with the school is with a girl being taken away by the police, she wonders what is happening. 

As she continues her days at the school, she learns that she is not liked, there is a lot of bullying and racism, and something more is happening. It was interesting to read how the Asian community seems so hard on their own race.

When she is determined to take the class of Mr. Werner, she uncovers more going on with his course than just being unable to pass his tests. 

Secrets and second lives are happening within the school building, and Lia finds herself in the middle. 

I can not believe she was putting herself in all these situations, one bad thing after another. 

Once all is said and done, lives will be turned upside down, and this school will not look the same as it once did before. 

I liked Lia as a character; her being a track star and her trying to focus on that was amazing. I just didn't like her decisions; like, girl, STOP!!! I did have an issue with the ending because I was curious as to why Lia was wearing that. I don't want to give anything away, so if someone knows, please let me know why.

There is talk of drugs and drinking going on, but nothing major. 

Jesse Q Sutanto grew up shuttling back and forth between Jakarta and Singapore and sees both cities as her homes. She has a Masters degree from Oxford University, though she has yet to figure out a way of saying that without sounding obnoxious. She is currently living back in Jakarta on the same street as her parents and about seven hundred meddlesome aunties. When she's not tearing out her hair over her latest WIP, she spends her time baking and playing FPS games. Oh, and also being a mom to her two kids.