Take Me There » (Reprint)

Susane Colasanti lives in New York City.

Rhiannon is devastated after the breakup with her boyfriend and wants him back. Nicole's ex is still pining for her, but she can't help having a new crush. And then there is James, hopelessly in love with Rhiannon, who can't see that their friendship can be so much more. Just when things couldn't get more complicated, the school's resident mean girl decides she is intent on ruining everyone's life. James, Nicole, and Rhiannon are not going to let this slide, but will their desire to take down the mean girl bring these three friends exactly what they want?

VOYA

Rhiannon has just been dumped by her boyfriend and desperately wants him back. Nicole is struggling with her past, crushing on her math teacher, and trying to remember why she broke up with her boyfriend, Danny. James and Rhiannon are only good friends-or are they? At first glance, this book looks like any other teen relationship novel, but the story goes beyond and the characters slightly past the surface into a week full of both routine and transformation in the lives of three teenagers, their families, and friends. This story of romance and friendship, new love and old wounds is told in three distinct voices, gracefully woven together. Colasanti ably captures the teenage voice through language that is real and not forced. Her easy writing style will speak to teen readers. This book is a quick read but not empty fluff. Although predictable, the different threads are nonetheless satisfying, with a mix of self-discovery, self-deprecation, humor, and teenage angst. Teens will relate to the circumstances and connect with the realistic, sympathetic characters. Parents and teachers mostly remain in the shadows, but their presence-or absence-is felt in the lives of the characters. Likewise other secondary characters and story lines are less developed, but they still add to the overall picture. Some name dropping and popular culture references may limit the shelf life, but readers who enjoyed Colasanti's When It Happens (Viking, 2006/VOYA June 2006) will not be disappointed. Reviewer: Cheryl French