Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights

Gr 7 Up–Abby, eldest daughter of the first woman president, Constance Alzona, ­always puts her family first to keep the press at bay. In the summer before her senior year, Abby makes two bucket lists of things she wants to accomplish. Her “official” summer bucket list includes things that will look good on a college application, like ­volunteering with a dolphin rescue group and participating in community events. The “unofficial” list includes activities like a first date, a first kiss, and being spontaneous for once. However, the spontaneity leads to “Pineapplegate,” which results in Abby being exiled for the summer to Mystic Hollow, VA, under the care of her aunt. Here, Abby encounters Gabriel Calabrese, an aspiring fine arts photographer who makes a deal with her. Abby must help him complete his art school portfolio by acting as his subject, and he will help her with the unofficial bucket list. This classic coming-of-age story explores Abby’s constraints with the Secret Service and the political optics involved in her day-to-day life. This romance revolves around Abby’s “firsts.” Therefore, readers experience a few kisses, some hand holding, and a little bit of longing, but not much else. A distinct element of Abby’s Filipino American heritage is seamlessly integrated into the story as the characters frequently use Filipino terms and phrases like “Hay naku” (an expression of frustration) and “Salamat po” (thank you). This adds a layer of authenticity to the family dynamics and Abby’s identity.