Pretty in Punxsutawney

March 1, 2019

Gr 7 Up-Everyone has days they wish they could do over, but the first day of school isn't usually one of them. Movie buff and red-head Andie (yes, her mom named her after Molly Ringwald's character in Pretty in Pink) totally blows the first day at Punxsutawney High and her chance at her dream guy, Colton, after a day of saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing, and generally feeling like the wrong thing. She is almost relieved when she gets the opportunity to do it all again. Andie is sure that, given enough chances, she can get Colton to notice her, kiss her, and then life can go back to normal. That's the way it works in the movies, right? Crompton dissects the social order at this fictional high school. Andie spends her repeating days moving among the school cliques trying to find where she really belongs-the cheerleaders, jocks, Goths, theater kids, and the overachievers-and although this does give her insight to the school and the social groups, the groups seem to be exclusively white. VERDICT Fans of John Hughes films will love this novel. There are no surprises, but it's just the thing for readers wanting a fun romance with a bit of a retro feel. Recommended for general purchase.-Heather Webb, Worthington Libraries, OH

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