Teenagers these days face more challenges than ever before. Vikk Simmons understands and confronts some of these important issues in Video Magic.

Kimberly Lange wants to become a cinematographer after she graduates from high school, and she’s applied for a position as an intern on the annual senior videography club project. She uses her natural talent to cut corners, which leads to confrontations with Greg Winters, the senior in charge of the videography project. He knows the value of preparation and is methodical in his approach to life — the complete opposite of Kimberly. Their differences lead not only to clashes over the project, but also to a friendship that develops into something deeper as they work side by side.

Kimberly’s best friend, Carol, is jealous when Kimberly starts spending more and more time not only with Greg and the video project, but also with new friend Marla, once a rival for the internship. Kimberly’s life becomes further complicated when she becomes estranged from Carol and gets into hot water with Greg and the video club’s teacher by overstepping her bounds and making rash promises to the principal. To add to her problems, she has to deal with her older brother, Bobby, home from college. Kimberly has been locked in competition with over-achiever Bobby from the day she was born, and believes he will use the visit to meddle in her affairs.

Kimberly learns several valuable lessons in this book, which artfully blends medicine with just the right amount of sugar. She discovers how to control her impulsivity, and finds fulfillment in becoming part of team. She even comes to realize that she jumped to conclusions yet again when she thought Bobby was interfering, and that he is actually supportive of her endeavors. But Simmons avoids tying everything up in a neat bow as Kimberly’s complicated relationship with Carol is only partially mended by Carol’s apology for her behavior.

Simmons clearly shows the pitfalls not only of jealousy but rivalry. The students of this second book about Northrupp High School are struggling to complete projects, prepare for future careers, and manage their personal lives. The pressures of modern-day life are clearly reflected in choices and decisions that could dog these characters long after they leave school.

Lovers of romance will find satisfaction here, as Kimberly and Greg find more than the video project occupying their thoughts. As their characters evolve with the plot, the stakes grow higher and they become people the reader will root for until the last, satisfying page of this fast-paced, young adult novel.