A prom to remember

Gr 9 Up-Seven high school seniors, seven stories, and one prom to remember. Hall's latest romance spotlights all of the emotions and excitement leading up to the big night. Cora is over-involved with her school and feeling the pressure to maintain the perfect relationship with her boyfriend. Lizzie looks forward to English class so she can write messages to her Mystery Boy. Otis really likes his boyfriend, but is he in love with him? Told from the perspectives of a diverse group of seniors, this romance explores first love, break-ups, promposals, and the anxiety and anticipation of an after-prom hotel room stay. Hall adeptly balances seven different voices without using stereotypical teen tropes. Each character has their own set of obstacles and issues to overcome. The high school experience is given nuanced care with likable, relatable protagonists young people will root for. Little emphasis on the physical setting gives readers a sense that this could be happening in their own communities. Twists and turns and the intertwining of stories will keep readers engaged. VERDICT Highly recommended for all teen collections.-Ashley Leffel, Griffin Middle School, Frisco, TX © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Seven high-school seniors prepare for the Big Night while facing social, familial, and societal pressures. Each protagonist's voice is given equal weight, and plot lines are deftly woven into a cohesive narrative. Hall's understanding of the teenage psyche is evident through the natural-sounding dialogue and occasional text messages and through the authentic characters' thoughts, full of adolescent awkwardness and insecurity. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.