This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story

Gr 9 Up—Callender (Hurricane Child) delivers a sweet YA romance about taking necessary risks. Still reeling from a breakup, Nathan Bird doesn't see the point in dating. After all, all relationships end eventually, right? While he loves the wide range of emotions that he and his friends experience watching movies in film club, he has trouble expressing his feelings aloud. He's also afraid of failing at his dream of becoming a screenwriter. Nate's desire to eschew romance and avoid creative expression in favor of emotional self-preservation is challenged by his childhood best friend and crush, Oliver James Hernández, moving back to town. Callender's novel is full of heartwarming exchanges and positive messages. Nate is dealing with the loss of his father and the impact it's had on his mother. The dialogue between mother and son is often relatable and sometimes painful as they struggle over Nate's desire for more freedom and independence. Oliver is a well-developed character who is hard of hearing, but this physical disability isn't the focus of the narrative. The depth and breadth of representation is welcome. The story is unflinchingly realistic and doesn't sugarcoat the tough stuff, but it's also a quick, breezy tale that will appeal to a wide range of readers.