Improper Order

August 1, 2015
Grades 5-8 Irish preteen Prim returns, true to form, in this diary-style sequel to Prim Improper (2015), and she has a lot on her plate: her relationship with her father is on the rocks, and his girlfriend might move in; she is struggling to get on with her life while still grieving for her mom; and she is helping support her best friend Joel in his coming out, even as she races him to land the first boyfriend. Prim's humor is somewhat muted compared to the first novel, but her obsession with defining words is a highlight, since writing crosswords is her dream job. More mature sexual issues and hints at self-harm (unfortunately never fully addressed) make the content appropriate for an older audience, though Prim still comes across as young and naive. Joel's decision to tell his parents, and eventually the boy he is crushing on, that he is gay is handled sensitively, adding another layer of interest to the narrative. A mixed success that fans of the first novel will nonetheless enjoy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)