Galgorithm

Gr 9 Up—Years ago, Shane Chambliss had his heart broken badly. Now, he's secretly helping the most undesirable guys in school. He uses the "Galgorithm," a mathematical formula he devised, to help these guys refine their looks and behavior in order to date the hottest girls. Shane's very successful as an advisor, but hasn't himself used the Galgorithm. He's happy just to hang out with his best female friend Jak and give advice to others. But soon things start to unravel. When revealing information about the Galgorithm is leaked and published in the school paper, things (and relationships) fall apart. Shane tries to right the wrongs he caused by keeping the Galgorithm secret, and to make up with, and hopefully date, Jak. Shane is a likable character, but the narrative's sometimes stilted language keeps readers at arm's length. The story takes some time to gain momentum while it explains the Galgorithm and background on the couples the protagonist has brought together. The characterizations are refreshingly non-stereotypical: for example, the jealous, hotshot athlete is also an environmentalist with two moms. The ending is mixed: some aspects are realistic, while Shane's own resolution is a fairy tale-like. The relationship formula is a cute concept, but not executed to its fullest potential, although the math jokes are witty.