Signs Point to Yes

September 1, 2015

Gr 8 Up-To save herself from her mom's meddling, Jane Connelly accepts a job as a nanny to three little girls. It brings her back into contact with Teo, a childhood friend. Teo Garcia barely knows Jane anymore. But the more Jane and Teo interact, the friendlier they become. Teo is hiding a secret: He is searching for his birth father. All he knows is his name. Jane inadvertently learns about Teo's mission and tries to help, with mixed results. This romance features just the right amount of teen angst. Jane faces immense pressure from her mom about her college future. Teo feels like he is losing his connection to his mom and his heritage, which pushes him forward in his search for his father. It is a summer of changes for both of them, and this bonds them together. Their interactions are silly and shy and resonate with growing emotions. Though the romance is just plain sweet, there are scenes of teenagers drinking and a sprinkling of curse words, which may put off some readers, but also showcases how genuinely Hall has captured her characters. A subplot involving Jane's sister's coming out as bisexual is rather clunky within the larger story, but the sisters become closer for it. Will there be a happy ending? Outlook good! Fun and original, Hall's sophomore novel has an authentic teen voice with plenty of charm. VERDICT A standout addition to library shelves.-Sarah Wethern, Douglas County Library, Alexandria, MN

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2015
Grades 9-12 To avoid her mother's summer internship plans, 17-year-old Janeauthor of Doctor Who fan fictionsnags a job babysitting three young girls down the street. Fortunately for Jane, their shy older stepbrother, Teo, is her secret crush. Teo and Jane get to know each other and sparks begin to fly. But life is complicated, and Jane's favorite source of counsel, her Magic 8 Ball, cannot give them all the answers they need. Teo is searching for his biological father, and Jane's research leads to a road trip with Teo's best friend Ravi and Jane's sister, Margo, who wants to come out to their parents about her bisexuality. Insecure teens will connect with both Teo and Jane as they blush and fumble their way into romance. Even the serious issues of college choice, blended families, and sexual identity are treated with a light hand, keeping the novel bobbing at the surface. Funny and charming, all signs point to yes that this sweet story of lovewhether in romance, friendship, or familyhas something for everyone.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)