Getting Over Garrett Delaney

Gr 9–11—When Sadie met good-looking, older Garrett in a coffee shop, she thought she had found her soul mate. For the past two years they've been inseparable—reading high-minded literature, watching foreign films, cruising on his Vespa—but while the 16-year-old pines for a romantic encounter, Garrett has had countless other girlfriends. She hopes he'll confess his love for her when they attend a summer writing camp, but when her application is rejected because she's a sophomore, Garrett still attends and gushes about yet another girl. Sadie begins to question whether this one-sided love affair is all that healthy. Newfound friends at her coffee shop job and a rekindled relationship with a childhood BFF help solidify her plan to get over him for good. Sadie's obsession with Garrett is so convincing that the new Sadie who emerges is a totally different character. The story picks up as she goes through the difficult task of changing her heart. Teen girls will relate to the all-consuming love portrayed here, will root for Sadie, and may appreciate the reminder to put self before boyfriends.—Shawna Sherman, Hayward Public Library, CA