Description

In Diva, the companion to Alex Flinn’s YA novel Breathing Under Water, Caitlin is dealing with a lot. She’s living through the aftermath of an abusive relationship, she has a youth-obsessed mother who just doesn’t understand her, and she’s on a constant yo-yo diet to live up the standards of her nitpicking friends.

All Caitlin wants is to escape her not-so-glamorous life and pursue her dream of becoming a singer, but when she’s accepted into the Miami High School of the Arts, her life doesn’t magically become perfect. Yet despite some struggles to keep up with her competitive classmates and the distraction of cute new crush, Caitlin never loses her sense of humor and eventually gains the confidence to achieve her goals.

Perfect for fans of such books as Carolyn Mackler’s The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.


Caitlin’s year at the new school will test her in every way, forcing her to find her strength—and her voice.


  • Overcoming a Toxic Past: After breaking up with her abusive ex-boyfriend, Nick, Caitlin has to learn to trust herself again—and maybe even a cute new crush.
  • A Difficult Mother Daughter Relationship: Her mom wants her to be a popular cheerleader, not an opera singer. Navigating her mother’s youth-obsessed world is Caitlin’s toughest performance yet.
  • High School Drama: Trading her old, popular friends for the "freaks" and "goths" at a new school is a huge risk, but it might be the only way for Caitlin to truly fit in.
  • Relatable Teen Angst: With a voice full of humor and heart, Caitlin journals her way through dieting, friendships, and the search for self-confidence in a story that’s both funny and deeply moving.

About the author(s)

Alex Flinn loves fairy tales and is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Beastly, a spin on Beauty and the Beast that was named a VOYA Editor’s Choice and an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. Beastly is now a major motion picture starring Vanessa Hudgens. Alex also wrote A Kiss in Time, a modern retelling of Sleeping Beauty; Cloaked, a humorous fairy-tale mash-up; Bewitching, a reimagining of fairy-tale favorites, including Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, The Princess and the Pea, and The Little Mermaid, all told by Kendra, the witch from Beastly; Towering, a darkly romantic take on Rapunzel; and Mirrored, a fresh spin on Snow White. Her other books for teens include Breathing Underwater, Breaking Point, Nothing to Lose, Fade to Black, and Diva. She lives in Miami with her family. Visit her online at www.alexflinn.com.

Reviews

Praise for Breathing Underwater: “This highly recommended book should be required reading for all teenagers.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Realistic and thoughtful.” - Kirkus Reviews

“[Caitlin] sets an excellent example as someone who follows her dreams, despite other people’s opinions.” - KLIATT

“Flinn turns a fine eye on the seemingly never-ending mother-daughter dance, in which someone is always out of step. A fast read, but there’s meat here, too.” - Booklist

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