Sunkissed

March 15, 2021
The summer before her senior year, 17-year-old Avery unexpectedly finds romance on a family vacation. Avery's family spends their summers away from Los Angeles, enjoying the outdoors; this year it will be two months at a remote resort in the California woods. Her 15-year-old sister, Lauren, an outgoing video blogger, is distraught by the camp's lack of internet access while go-with-the-flow Avery is just hoping for no drama, upset after having found out her best friend kissed her ex-boyfriend. An initial miscommunication makes things tense with handsome camp staff member Brooks--until Avery agrees to help him write songs for a band competition in exchange for his helping her step out of her comfort zone. Of course, staff aren't supposed to fraternize with campers, which leads to much sneaking around, though Avery and her sister attend several staff parties thanks to befriending lifeguard Maricela and drummer Kai. Avery learns to find her voice, both metaphorically--she feels her parents don't take her seriously--and literally, as she must overcome her stage fright when asked to step in for the vocalist in Brooks' band when they compete in the festival. Avery's complicated relationship with her family feels underdeveloped, though the love story with Brooks hits all the right notes. Fans of West will enjoy this watered-down Dirty Dancing tale, with its swoony romance and uncomplicated plot. Most characters are White; Maricela is implied Latinx, and Kai is Polynesian. A sweet, undemanding summer read. (Romance. 12-16)

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May 7, 2021

Gr 7 Up-A summer cut off from friends and technology could not have come at a more perfect time for easygoing Avery. After a devastating betrayal by her best friend, a trip to a family camp seems a welcome escape. But a full schedule of activities and family bonding can't stop her growing anxiety about the fate of her closest friendship, and as Avery comes to some uncomfortable realizations about how she's perceived by those she loves, she decides to use this summer to try new things. She gets help from a cute staff musician named Brooks, and a forbidden staff-guest romance blossoms after she agrees to fill in on lead vocals in a battle of the bands competition he's entered. Light, frothy, swoony-all the words for summer romances apply here, and this loose, tamed-down retelling of Dirty Dancing delivers, even for readers who have never seen the source material. Avery's angst over her falling out with her friend from home adds emotional texture without overwhelming the fun, and the development of her relationship with her budding social media influencer sister showcases some real character growth. Avery and Brooks are cued as white. VERDICT Readers who rip through romances in the summer will be happy to have this peeking out of their beach bags.-Beth McIntyre, formerly at Madison P.L., WI

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