Tell Me Again How A Crush Should Feel

Gr 9 Up—Farizan creates a unique and memorable cast of characters in this romantic coming-of-age story. Leila is from a wealthy, loving Persian family, goes to an exclusive private school, gets decent grades, and manages to stay in the middle of the popularity pool. However, she has secret she is sure will destroy her delicately balanced world—she likes girls. Narrator Negin Farsad has just the right mix of youth and maturity to make Leila seem a bit sharper than the average high schooler. Farsad does an excellent job with the accents for Leila's parents and new student Saskia. As Leila finally confronts who she is, Farsad takes her voices up and down the range to match her roller coaster of emotions. This story will ring true for any listener in search of their own identity and is also sure to spark lively discussion.—Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI