My Box-Shaped Heart

July 19, 2019

Gr 8 Up-Holly stands out at school because she different than the other kids. Her mom is a hoarder, so she does not like to bring anyone to her house. She finds solace in going to the pool in the next town over because nobody she knows goes there. She lives a quiet life until she meets Ed. Ed used to be the swim captain and most popular teen at his old, posh high school. He came from a good family, and had everything he could have ever wanted. His family situation has recently changed, so he finds himself living in a different part of town with his mother. Holly and Ed seem to find each other when they need someone the most. This is a classic boy-meets-girl love story with difficult family issues woven throughout, including domestic abuse. VERDICT The writing is simple but will also keep readers interested as they cheer Holly and Ed onto a happy ending.-Maeve Dodds, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC

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