MANALAPAN, NJ —Biotechnology High School senior Rania Haque, a resident of Manalapan, has published her debut novel, Breaking the Curve, a psychological thriller that blends high-stakes storytelling with themes drawn from her experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Haque wrote the book as a way to merge her love of fiction with the pressures and academic intensity she experienced throughout her high school journey. Influenced by thrillers like The Hunger Games, Squid Game, and The Ivies, she wanted to create a story she hadn’t seen represented in popular culture. “I took that concept and spun it into something more academic, connecting my experiences in STEM with fiction,” she said.
Biotechnology High School offers the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, a globally recognized academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, research, and interdisciplinary learning. As part of the IB Diploma Programme, students take courses such as Theory of Knowledge, which challenges them to examine how knowledge is formed and understood across different fields.
“Biotech helped reframe my perspective on people who are deemed high achievers,” she explained. “It showed me that just being ‘gifted’ can only get you so far
“It is about what happens when high-achievers are put into a pressure cooker masquerading as just a competition, fueled by their own ambitions and crushing expectations.”
Haque said that she hopes students—especially those facing academic pressure—see themselves in her story. “It’s okay to feel ashamed. It’s okay to doubt yourself. And it’s okay to feel like you aren’t good enough,” she shared. “Once you learn to build your own values and make your own dreams, it doesn’t matter what society dictates about you.”
Although she drafted much of the book over spring break, Haque continued writing during the school year “in breaks between study sessions, car rides, or in the middle of dinner.” She says writing has always felt natural. “People can always make time for things they love.”
Publishing her first novel gave Haque new confidence in her ability to complete large-scale projects. She is already writing a sequel to Breaking the Curve and beginning a third book, while also pursuing her long-term goals in pharmacy or orthopedic surgery.
For Haque, writing is deeply personal. “Writing, for me, isn't just a hobby; it's a part of who I am,” she said.
Holding her finished book for the first time was an unforgettable milestone. “It’s like the culmination of hours, love, and tears is compressed into 400 pages,” she said. “I even tucked it into bed later that night.”
Haque expressed deep gratitude for her support system. “I want to thank my family for encouraging me to write and share this story, my friends for always having my back, and the community I’m proud to be part of for the endless support.”
About MCVSD
MCVSD operates six full-time Career Academies including the Academy of Allied Health and Science, Academy of Law and Public Safety, Biotechnology High School, Communications High School, High Technology High School and Marine Academy of Science and Technology. Each welcomes students as freshmen and retains those students through their senior year of high school, for a focused learning experience that helps them take meaningful steps toward their college and career goals.
MCVSD also operates more than 30 shared-time programs, a Career Center for students with special needs and adult programs. Questions about the admissions process for the MCVSD Career Academies or any other career and technical education program offered by MCVSD should be directed to applications@ctemc.org.