Hearts Overboard

May 1, 2024
A mathlete and a jock find common ground in Alaska. Savannah likes routine and predictability, and she thought her boyfriend, Caleb, did as well. Which is why it comes as a horrible surprise when he dumps her, saying that she's boring and stuck in her ways. Their breakup happens right before a trip to Alaska--a cruise with the company that employs her parents as well as the mother of Tanner, the attention-seeking classmate who beat her in the election for Astronomy Club president. After they're thrown together, Tanner agrees to help Savannah with her plan to use the vacation as an opportunity to try new things. He volunteers to join her, taking photos she can share on social media to show Caleb what he's missing; in exchange, Savannah will help Tanner figure out his college major. During the two-week trip, as she experiments with zip lining, karaoke, and whitewater rafting, Savannah comes to see that there's more to Tanner than she'd realized--and that his kindness and sense of fun make him a good match for her. Savannah's aversion to risk will resonate with many teens, while Tanner's goofiness and easy charm will be familiar to others. The relationship develops at a natural pace (albeit with the requisite bumps along the way) and will have readers rooting for a happy ending. Savannah and Tanner are cued white. A relatable story in which rivals become friends--and more--against the backdrop of a spectacular setting. (map) (Romance. 12-18)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2024

Gr 8 Up-This gentle book is a good fit for readers who like to know what they're getting, much like its protagonist. Savannah is content with her predictable high school life. She has routines, STEM clubs, and a reliable boyfriend, Caleb. Her only complaint is the constant competition from the equally smart and STEM-centric Tanner. As the school year ends, Caleb breaks up with her because of her unwillingness to try new things. As if that's not bad enough, her mom's job sends the family on an Alaskan cruise with Tanner and his family, since their moms are work friends. Interacting with Tanner turns out to be better than expected. They even strike a deal that she'll help him declare a college major and he'll help her create an adventurous social media presence to win back Caleb. With all costs covered, the two teens sign up for photogenic shore excursions and end up broadening their horizons and falling for each other in the process. There are no surprises here, and readers will know exactly how this plot ends, but that's okay. Characters are likable and consistent. Language is bright and breezy with clever STEM references. The descriptions of Alaska tourist culture are accurate and detailed. VERDICT There's just enough romance and tension to satisfy young readers looking for a fun summer book.-Amelia Jenkins

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2024
Grades 7-10 When Savannah Moore's boyfriend breaks up with her in front of her classmates and the nickname ""Moore the Bore"" starts to circulate, she decides to prove him wrong. Joining her parents on an Alaskan cruise provides numerous opportunities for fun, but it also means spending two weeks with her nemesis, Tanner. So they make a deal: he will help her branch out and try new things if she helps him find a college major. Both Savannah and Tanner are hiding behind fears, and their time together opens them up to each other. Teens are sure to relate to the struggles of living up to parental expectations and not wanting things to change; while the characters are juniors in high school, the overall themes and the sweet romance hit the right notes for younger teens. Savannah and Tanner are funny, and their varied interests of sports, science fiction, and engineering make them more realistic and relatable. A perfect summer read for fans of rivals-to-lovers romance.

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