Promposal

Gr 7 Up—Camilla's Ohio high school has a tradition in which boys ask girls to the annual prom via elaborate scenarios. She is mortified when Zach approaches her wearing a tux and accompanied by a film crew documenting his "promposal." Camilla agrees, even though she's not especially fond of Zach and really wishes that Zach's handsome cousin Benjamin had asked her first. To complicate matters further, Camilla is assigned to work with Benjamin on a psychology project, and sparks fly, inflaming their attraction for each other. But Benjamin takes the high road and will not risk hurting his cousin. Meanwhile, Camilla's gay best friend, Joshua, would love to ask Ethan to the prom, but Ethan asks Joshua for help in planning an epic promposal to another young man. Helms has a charming winner on her hands with her latest novel about the Sturm und Drang of teenage love. Well-developed, articulate, and believable characters populate the pages, and relationships with friends and family seem authentic.