Review Detail

Everything about this book -- the cover picture, the publisher's press release, even the inside cover blurb -- all led me to believe this was going to be a fluffy, cutesy book. There's even a picture of a cute baby chick (flipped upside down) on the cover. I was happy to find that there's a lot more to this book than fluff.

The story is told through the alternating viewpoints of Juli Baker and Bryce Loski. When Bryce first moves next door, Juli instantly falls in love with him, no matter that they are both seven. Bryce does not return her feelings in the least. As a matter of fact, he finds her to be one of the most annoying people on the planet.

This love/hate relationship continues on through junior high until things start to change. Juli starts to discover that Bryce may not be her dream man after all and Bryce starts to see that she just might be the perfect girl for him. Things get flipped around and the situations that follow are both poignant and funny.

Throughout all these goings on, we also see into why Bryce and Juli are the people they are. We see their dawning realization (especially on the part of Bryce) that where they come from doesn't necessarily have to dictate what they become.

I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages. It has some great messages, but it is also an entertaining and captivating read. The funny moments pull it through and the sad ones will stay with you.

Ms. Van Draanen is also the author of the popular Sammy Keyes series.