This Song Is (Not) For You

February 8, 2016
In an insightful story centered on a quirky trio of teenagers, high school senior Ramona, a committed iconoclast, plays drums in a band with her best friend and crush, Sam. He feels similarly about her, but neither of them wants to risk their friendship on romance. Ramona and Sam are both auditioning for a local arts college when they meet Tom. He has just been dumped by his girlfriend and wants to keep his head down until graduation, even while he's pursuing a clandestine "public service art project" that involves "glitter bombing" various places around town. The three share perfect musical chemistry, forming "the most kick-ass, avant-garde, in-your-face experimental noise rock band on the planet," but their complex, interconnected romantic feelings threaten to interfere. Nowlin (If He Had Been with Me) captures the antsy energy of senior year and the desire to stand out while still fitting in as she alternates among the three observant narrators. Despite some obvious foreshadowing, the story offers distinctive characters who show maturity as they seek to create satisfying creative and romantic relationships. Ages 14âup. Agent: Ali McDonald, Rights Factory.

March 1, 2016

Gr 8 Up-Teen musicians Ramona and Sam seek out a third bandmate to complete their group, April and the Rain. Tom fits the bill, and the three become instant friends. In classic teen fashion, Sam is secretly in love with Ramona. Ramona has feelings for Sam, and now finds herself falling for Tom. Tom is dealing with the aftermath of an awkward breakup but ends up dating Ramona so as not to jeopardize their friendship. The book is told in each of their own voices, and the trio's friendship strengthens with time as they grapple with how their feelings may mean different things to one another. VERDICT A typical teen story dealing with atypical types of friendship, love, and acceptance.-Vivian Ho, Port Washington Public Library, NY

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