Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (some kissing, one incident of underage drinking);
Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Three weeks before high school graduation, 17yo Leila's boyfriend of four years breaks up with her. Even though he still loves her, he feels like he needs to be able to date other people as he heads off to college. Leila is devastated. Her best friend reminds her that the high school's Last Chance Dance is coming up. Still hurt but willing to give it a try Leila submits the names of three crushes to the dance committee; Kai, Mason, and Eva. She is surprised when she is matched with all three of her choices plus a wild card match. Now all she has to do is pick one to go with to the dance. Leila spends the next three weeks working through her grief from the breakup, dealing with her parents' divorce, exploring the possibility of relationships with her four matches, and learning more about who and what she wants in a relationship and out of life.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced rom-com. The dialog is contemporary. Leila has the support of great family and friends who help her when she is down but are also willing to help her out when she needs to make some self-corrections. There are some positive messages including leaning into joy, being willing to take a chance and step outside of your comfort zone, and that sometimes the things we need come from unlikely sources. There is an added bonus of a scene showing the value of school libraries, librarians, and diversity in books. I also appreciated that the author did not feel the need to rely on the crutch of filling gaps in the dialog with foul language. Leila, her family, most of her friends and all but one of her dates is black. Mason is white.
A Snow
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