Love, Heather

August 15, 2019
Acts of retribution careen out of control in this dramatic novel about bullying and its psychological effects. Ninth grader Stevie has a passion for movies and her own YouTube channel. Her world drastically changes when her best friend, Lottie, begins hanging out with a crowd of image-conscious girls. At the same time, one of Lottie's parents, who has long been more of a support to Stevie than her own--reveals that he is transgender, news that Stevie embraces unreservedly and encourages Lottie to as well. She even does an episode for her channel featuring films that include trans characters, contributing to a rift between the girls. While this story can't always escape its melodramatic tone, the painful descriptions of the bullying Stevie experiences, down to its often sexualized nature and the spot-on depiction of the mean girls' feigned, wide-eyed, surprised laughter when they know they've hit a nerve, ring true. As she and others begin to fight back, Stevie's interest in old movies works well as a device around which to explore some of these issues--replete with references to films like Heathers and Carrie. A twist at the end is unfortunately not as effective and will likely be spotted by readers much earlier than it is revealed. Stevie seems to be white, and there is some ethnic diversity in secondary characters. An engaging, emotionally raw tale of social torment and explosive reactions. (Fiction. 14-18)

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August 26, 2019
Petrou sheds light on mob bullying in a well-told tale of teenage revenge that pays homage to works such as Carrie and Heathers. Stevie, the 14-year-old girl who narrates this novel set in Woepine, Ontario, from Canadian author Petrou (Sister of Mine for adults), has just entered high school, “that melting pot of cool and cruel, that place that will change you for the better and worse.” Stevie befriends Dee, a new student and one of the outcasts ruled by the “privileged dicks that roam the school... like medieval lords.” Dee urges the bullied to fight back. At first, their pranks are innocuous: unflattering photos posted on lockers along with the words “Love, Heather.” But soon these stunts take on a vicious tone, leaving Stevie to wonder: is it “the victims fighting back or a new many-headed bully-monster?” And before long, Stevie becomes the target of horrific social media intimidation as well as physical threats from classmates. The buildup to the shattering climax is a tad slow, but readers will keep turning the pages to see how the inevitable emotional explosion plays out. Ages 12–up. Agent: Martha Webb, Cooke McDermid Agency.

September 1, 2019

Gr 9 Up-Navigating the freshmen class's social circles has not come easily to old movie-loving Stevie after losing her best friend Lottie to gossip and rumors from the ruling queen bees Paige and Breanne. When fearless and charismatic Dee appears, she and Stevie start a series of pranks signed Love, Heather to get even with the tormentors of less popular students. As the practical jokes escalate and spiral out of control, Stevie struggles to reconnect with the adults in her life who seem to have no time for her and her growing anguish. Finding herself at the bottom of a downward spiral after a shocking event, Stevie will make a drastic decision that will change everyone's life forever. A timely novel about the effects of long-term bullying, Petrou's story will resonate with today's teens. This novel drives home many of the post-#MeToo topics that other authors have explored. The main character will be relatable to readers who struggle to find their place in a school social hierarchy, but the story traverses much more than status, as Petrou explores the vulnerability of teens who don't have a strong support network. The dialogue is fresh and authentic, and readers will root for Stevie even if she stumbles time and again. VERDICT Some 1980's pop culture references might be lost to younger teens, but overall this novel drives a powerful message of strength and self-love. Purchase where realistic fiction is in high demand.-Carol Youssif, Taipei American School, Taiwan

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