The Age of Amy: The Thumper Amendment

Gr 6 Up—The U.S. has passed a law lowering the voting age to 14, and candidates must take a cross-country bus tour to run for president. Amy volunteers to join the campaign of one of the candidates because she wants to beat the opposing candidate's running partner, who bullied her in third grade. The race becomes the focus of a highly publicized reality TV show, and the teen finds that her former bully has changed, becoming less of a nemesis and more of a love interest with each passing day. Edwards creates complex characters in this political adventure that transcends stereotypes, and the plot has interesting twists that will engage young teens. The plot does contain futuristic and even unbelievable aspects, but readers will stay intrigued by the authentic portrayal of the protagonists' emotions. This book will be popular with those looking for a quirky love story with an exciting twist.—April Sanders, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL