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Reviewed by: Kathy Jaccarino, High School Librarian Title: Everyone Hates Kelsie Miller Author: Meredith Ireland Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Year: 2022 Good for Grades: 9-12 Genre/Type of Book: Realistic Fiction/Romance
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: No, some college partying but nothing overt. Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: I was intrigued with the diverse characters.
If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: A feel good rom-com that will have you rooting for academic rivals, Kelsie and Eric, as they navigate their way through relationship woes and self-discovery.
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Review:
I love a good romance novel with strong female characters, this book did not disappoint, even though it was a bit predictable. The main characters of the book, Kelsie Miller and Eric Mulvaney Ortiz are diverse. Kelsie is Asian and Eric is Latinx, with two dads. I appreciate novels with diverse characters that just are...the focus of the novel isn't their diversity. I like to think that this is a step in the right direction in the publishing world! Kelsie and Eric, academic rivals at their elite high school, are seniors contemplating the future, and are struggling with relationships- Kelsie with her relationship to her best friend, and Eric with his girlfriend. They hatch a plan to go on a road trip to see them and try to mend these relationships. The novel's exploration of the role of social media is particularly relevant and plays an interesting role in the story's development. I thought the character development was well done. Kelsie and Eirc’s relationship thaws and deepens throughout their road trip and their adventures on campus as they search for their people. It is obvious to everyone but Kelsie that Eric has always had feelings for her. Kelsie’s “a ha” moments about her inability to admit she is ever wrong, or apologize…and her feelings for Eric, are a bit over simplified, but satisfying none the less. I also thought Kelsie's relationship with her family was well developed. And I loved the ending! This will appeal to those readers who like a good romantic comedy.
Number of party hats:
For more information about this book, see the Publishers Website
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