From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up—Life can change in an instant and in Ayarbe's debut novel, 15-year-old Kyle learns that lesson firsthand after hearing the shot, feeling the weight of the gun, and watching blood pool around the body of his best friend. Readers are quickly drawn into the mystery of guilt or innocence, although Kyle accepts personal responsibility for Jason's death. Placed on probation by the court, he continues his daily routine in a daze, withdraws from his family, and tries to remember what really happened that morning. Readers learn the history of the friendship through "scenes" created in Kyle's head as though he were directing a movie. Still, he cannot recall the fatal act and continues to blame himself. Kyle finds sanctuary from accusing students in the library as he looks for books that Jason read. Mr. Cordoba, the librarian, provides insightful reading material and eventually Kyle is able to deal with his feelings and recall what really happened. This multidimensional book is rich in details about friendships, families, and their responses to needless death. The characters are well developed through contemporary, earthy dialogue and realistic, often humorous situations. Kyle's relationship with Jason is revealed as usually tight but more recently disappointing as Jason migrated to a more popular crowd. Although sometimes overworked and obtrusive, the movie-scene technique provides a high-interest vehicle for Kyle to communicate his thoughts and feelings. This book will be appreciated by many teens, especially those who have experienced the death of a friend or loved one.—
Sue Lloyd, Franklin High School, Livonia, MI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
“A truly strong first novel, and one with definite appeal to older teens.” (ALA Booklist )
“Readers are quickly drawn into the mystery of guilt or innocence...This book will be appreciated by many teens.” (School Library Journal )
“Freeze Frame is, quite simply, a stellar first novel. Heidi Ayarbe’s powerful prose compels you to turn page after page until, along with protagonist Kyle, you reach the necessary resolution to mind-numbing conflict. This story will stay under your skin for a very long time.” (Ellen Hopkins, author of the National Book Award nominee BURNED and the New York Times best-seller IMPULSE )
“They may well fight back tears and gulp with grief, but readers will not turn away...Readers of Ayarbe’s debut novel will be delighted that she has a second young adult novel in the works.” (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (Starred Review) )
