More Than Maybe

March 1, 2020

Gr 9 Up-Music is the common thread that brings together Vada, a music events blogger, and Luke, a Brit who has put his musical talents aside, instead focusing on his vlog with his twin. Cullen and Luke record their vlog, "The Grass is Greenly," at The Loud Lizard, Vada's mom's boyfriend's club. Though Vada and Luke admired each other's work from afar, it takes until senior year for them to really interact with one another. As they work together, with Luke composing and Vada choreographing a piece for the school showcase, their respective challenges become clear: Vada's biological father is an alcoholic who forgets she exists until he needs a babysitter or a favor, while Luke's dad wants him to follow in his rock star footsteps. Each has dreams of their own they long to pursue. Woven through the story are texts and conversations filled with musical references, so all-encompassing that every music-loving reader will find something familiar and a new artist worth exploring. From the Rolling Stones to country and Counting Crows to Bastille, readers will undoubtedly be Googling frequently and developing an appreciation for the artists and their songwriting along the way. Vada and Luke's struggles with family, fame, and exes are believable and relatable. VERDICT Recommended for collections where readers enjoy music, romance, or both.-Kelly Jo Lasher, Middle Township High School, Cape May Court House, NJ

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2020
Love blooms between two independent, musically involved teens. Vada and Luke have long admired one another from afar but finally begin talking during their senior year in high school in Ann Arbor. Each has family ties to the music world that both inspire and tether them, manifesting in their lives in different ways. Vada is determined to grow her music review writing into a career while British-born Luke has made a fierce decision to keep his talent and love for songwriting as something he only does for himself, which his former punk-rock-star dad can't understand. Told in alternating first-person narration, the slow unfolding of this love story will be relished by teens who favor swooning romances. The palpable understanding of how music speaks to some people's souls will ring true for serious music lovers--though references to various real-life artists both contemporary and older, from Demi Lovato to the duo's reverence for Adam Duritz of Counting Crows, may not always resonate. Realistic and messy details about the complicated relationships imperfect adults have with their kids will likely ring true for a broader audience. All main characters are white. Luke's twin brother, Cullen, is gay and happily coupled up with Luke's best friend, Zack. A character-driven story of first love and family drama replete with its own soundtrack. (Romance. 14-18)

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

April 1, 2020
Grades 9-12 Luke's popular-but-retired punk rock dad can help him find fame, but Luke just wants to write music in private. Vada, a classmate, is obsessed with music and plans to attend the music journalism program at UCLA and secure a Rolling Stone internship. She's well on her way, working at a legendary club courtesy of her mom's boyfriend and making a name for herself through his popular music blog. Luke and Vada crush on each other from afar, but until they work together at the club, neither has a clue that they're about to fall in love. Nevertheless, life isn't unicorns and rainbows. Vada's drunk dad often shows up at the club; and Luke grapples with unwanted attention after one of his songs goes viral. Filled with music references, Hahn's fictional world is one in which love overcomes adversity. Luke and Vada are characters worth rooting for, and their parents (minus one) are supportive and appealing. Teens who love a swoony read with a backbeat will dig this book and its soundtrack.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)