In present day Brooklyn, Andi is falling apart. She is failing out of her prestigious prep school, her father has left, her mother is crazy, and she can't deal with the crippling grief and depression she is experiencing after the tragic death of her younger brother. In seventeenth century France, Alex is a plucky and resourceful girl trying to survive the French Revolution while a revolution rages on inside her. When Andi's father forces her to accompany him to Paris over winter break, she discovers Alex's diary and becomes completely drawn into Alex's life through her journal entries. The stories of these two teen girls are woven together and their similarities, including their anguish and their passion for music, are powerful.

This ambitious and meaty historical fiction novel is suspenseful and compelling. With a mystery at its heart, Revolution is both believable and engaging as it chronicles the heartbreaking experiences of two teen girls, two centuries apart. Andi's journey, both physically and psychologically, leads her from the pain and desperation she feels to a place of healing and hope. Readers will learn much about the French Revolution through its fascinating portrayal in Alex's diary entries. Music, its importance, and its ability to heal is central to both story lines. Music lovers will appreciate many references to lyrics and songs, and will be interested in the connection drawn between modern rock and classical music. The present-day story includes entitled and spoiled New York City teenagers who drink, do drugs, cut class and hook up. The French Revolution story line involves the horrors of that time period, including massacres, guillotining, starvation, and extreme poverty. Language is graphic, though not overly prevalent. Characters are often in danger and sometimes struggle with grief, depression, and suicidal urges. The death of a young family member is referred to often, is graphic and upsetting in nature, and causes a family to completely unravel.
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