Bliss Adair and the first rule of knitting

Gr 9 Up--This novel follows somewhat awkward but endearing 16-year-old Bliss Adair, a math genius and knitting whiz, as she navigates her way through the confusing mess of high school and its social situations. Bliss has always gotten by in life by applying the first rule of knitting: "don't look too far ahead, one stitch at a time." This has served her well until one day, while working in her parents' yarn store, she overhears a secret with the potential to destroy the family of a classmate and must make a difficult choice on what she will do with this information. This story works to reaffirm that not all of life's issues follow logic or can be reasoned with. Although the underlying issues present in the book are not necessarily resolved by the end, they are addressed as Bliss eventually comes to terms with the challenges she faces. Mills's characters exist in an age-relevant and enjoyable read where their development feels authentic and realistic. The book also includes some of the easier knitting patterns that are mentioned in the story at the back of the book for those brave enough to try. VERDICT Mills's book captures that awkward beauty of adolescence in this feel-good read that will have readers reaching for a ball of yarn. An excellent choice for YA readers, knitting enthusiasts, or anyone who just enjoys a good slice-of-life read.--Megan McFarlane

A teenager finds the world is more complicated than she thought. Sixteen-year-old Bliss Adair loves the order and predictability of math and knitting. She's never been kissed and doesn't really get boys. Bliss spends most of her time when not at school at String Theory, her parents' knitting store, located just outside Toronto. One day, while ensconced in the store's secluded window seat, Bliss overhears a whispered phone conversation by the mother of classmate Finn Nordin that appears to be about an adulterous meeting, and she is alarmed. To complicate matters further, Bliss and Finn are picked to represent their school in the grade 11 math competition run by the University of Waterloo. Bliss wonders if she should tell Finn (whom she doesn't know well) what she overheard. Meanwhile, store regular Mrs. Bart confides to Bliss that Sydney, her pregnant 16-year-old granddaughter, will be staying with her. Might Bliss help her navigate school? Suddenly, Bliss' orderly math-and-knitting world is turned topsy-turvy. Narrated in the first-person present tense by Bliss' warm, authentic voice, the story is notable for its depiction of acceptance and community even as things get a bit tense. Main characters read White; others who are diverse in ethnicity and sexuality round out the ensemble. This story delivers nuggets of wisdom, a balanced outlook, and the refuge of knitting--just take it one stitch at a time. Humorous, wise, and comforting. (knitting guide and patterns, author interview) (Fiction. 12-17) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.