Unscripted

by Nicole Kronzer

Overview

A funny and timely debut YA about the toxic masculinity at a famous improv comedy camp
 
Seventeen-year-old Zelda Bailey-Cho has her future all planned out: improv camp, then Second City, and finally Saturday Night Live. She’s thrilled when she lands a spot on the coveted varsity team at a prestigious improv camp, which means she’ll get to perform for professional scouts—including her hero, Nina Knightley. But even though she’s hardworking and talented, Zelda’s also the only girl on Varsity, so she’s the target for humiliation from her teammates. And her 20-year-old coach, Ben, is cruel to her at practice and way too nice to her when they’re alone. Zelda wants to fight back, but is sacrificing her best shot at her dream too heavy a price to pay? Equal parts funny and righteous, Unscripted is a moving debut novel that Printz Award winner Nina LaCour calls “a truly special book, written at exactly the right time.”
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683358244
Publisher:	Abrams
Publication date:	04/21/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	336
File size:	3 MB
Age Range:	14 - 18 Years

About the Author

Nicole Kronzer is a former professional actor and improvisor who now teaches English and creative writing. She loves to knit and run (usually not at the same time) and has named all the plants in her classroom. Her debut novel, Unscripted, was called "a truly special book, written at exactly the right time" by Printz Award–winner Nina LaCour. Kronzer lives with her family in Minneapolis. Visit her online at nicolekronzer.com.

Editorial Reviews

Smart, funny, and completely riveting. Nicole Kronzer fearlessly dives into the misogyny of the comedy world to tell a profound story of a sharp, talented girl thwarted at every turn by a patriarchal institution that makes no space for her. A powerful and necessary read for all genders.

author of Crying Laughing and Denton Little's Dea Lance Rubin

"This is a well written story that provides insight into the development of an abusive, narcissistic relationship and the power of standing up for yourself."

School Library Connection

A truly special book, written at exactly the right time.

Printz Award winner Nina LaCour

"Kronzer deftly combines what it means to be a female in comedy with a story of contemporary resonance that evokes the #MeToo movement."

Booklist

"This is a well written story that provides insight into the development of an abusive, narcissistic relationship and the power of standing up for yourself." —School Library Connection

“A truly special book, written at exactly the right time.”—Printz Award winner Nina LaCour

“Smart, funny, and completely riveting. Nicole Kronzer fearlessly dives into the misogyny of the comedy world to tell a profound story of a sharp, talented girl thwarted at every turn by a patriarchal institution that makes no space for her. A powerful and necessary read for all genders.”—Lance Rubin, author of Crying Laughing and Denton Little's Deathdate

"Kronzer skillfully brings to life the improv setting. The characters are authentic and friendships seem real. . . The humor of improvisation does not detract from the powerful messages of consent and gender equality, but rather adds some lighthearted moments to a serious plot." —School Library Journal

"Strong character development and exploration of timely topics make this novel shine..."—Kirkus

"Kronzer deftly combines what it means to be a female in comedy with a story of contemporary resonance that evokes the #MeToo movement." —Booklist

"Kronzer excels at balancing humor with difficult subjects, portraying sexism and toxic masculinity in comedy with appropriate gravity while celebrating positive, healthy relationships and growth through active choices." —Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

"Kronzer deftly combines what it means to be a female in comedy with a story of contemporary resonance that evokes the #MeToo movement."

Booklist

2020-01-19
Zelda Bailey-Cho dreams of comedy fame, but are the obstacles worth the fight?

Will the rules of improv help Zelda through a turbulent summer at the improv camp founded by her idol? Zelda is surprised to learn she’s one of just five girls in a sea of 200 male campers. Luckily, the girls in Gilda Radner cabin quickly form an emotional support system. Talented and driven, Zelda earns a spot on the camp’s elite improv team and falls for her tall, blond coach, Ben. At first excited and then confused and horrified, Zelda struggles to manage her cabin mates’ high expectations, Ben’s advances, and unchecked sexual harassment from her male teammates. She always knew that being female in the comedy world would be challenging, but how can she balance standing up for herself and being a trailblazer? Strong character development and exploration of timely topics make this novel shine despite its being somewhat weakened by unbelievable plot points and a tidy ending. Thoughtfully created diverse characters, who are specifically described and involved in both queer and straight relationships, model navigating social situations without assuming norms, whether relating to sexual identity labels or family structure. Most heartening of all, Zelda’s second chance at love provides a healthy counterpoint to Ben’s abusive behavior. Curly haired Zelda, who is white, is part of a blended Korean Scottish family.

A realistic romance illuminating the difficulties of experiencing discrimination while reaching for a dream (Fiction. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews