Lifelong rivals Natalie and Reid have never been on the same team. So when their school's art budget faces cutbacks, of course Natalie finds herself up against her nemesis once more. She's fighting to direct the school's first ever student-written play, but for her small production to get funding, the school's award-winning band will have to lose it. Reid's band. And he's got no intention of letting the show go on.

But when their rivalry turns into an all-out prank war that goes too far, Natalie and Reid have to face the music, resulting in the worst compromise: writing and directing a musical. Together. At least if they deliver a sold-out show, the school board will reconsider next year's band and theater budget. Everyone could win.

Because after spending their entire lives in competition, they have absolutely no idea how to be co-anything. And they certainly don't know how to deal with the feelings that are inexplicably, weirdly, definitely developing between them... (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)

Marisa Kanter discusses "As If on Cue" with Becky Albertalli