AWARDS
An American Library Association Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
A 2007 Teen Reads Week "Laugh Out Loud" book
An International Reading Association's Young Adults' Choice
A Book Sense Pick
A Teen People "Don't Miss This" Book
A Teen Reads' "Word of Mouth" Prize
A Texas Library Association Tayshas High School Reading List Book
A 2006-2007 Florida Teens Read nominee
Volunteer State Book Award Master Reading List for 2006-2007
REVIEWS
"Warmth and humor suffuse the story of Mara's senior-year transformation. . . . Funny and optimistic."
-Kirkus Reviews
"This is the story of two young women on the edge of adulthood, and oddly enough they are an aunt and a niece."
-Kliatt
"This title will have strong appeal for teens grappling with these same questions."
-School Library Journal
"Racily narrated by likeable Mara, this fast-paced coming-of-age story is charged with sarcasm, angst, honesty, and hope. Many teen girls will recognize parts of themselves within its pages."
-Voice of Youth Advocates
"Mackler does an excellent job of showing the ways in which adults and kids can learn from one another."
-Book Page
"By the book's conclusion, Mara is no longer a virgin or a vegan, but her transformation has been entirely credible and, for readers anyway, thoroughly enjoyable."
-Booklist
"Mackler makes Mara's voice feel fresh and believable."
-San Francisco Chronicle
"While some readers may identify more with rebellious V than with Mara the two characters begin to deepen and mature through the course of the novel, and the audience may well warm up to Mara. There are some hilarious moments here too."
-Publishers Weekly
"A fun and sometimes funny Valentine's Day read."
-Detroit Free Press
"The sensitive and mature romance makes this additionally appealing, but Mara will be a sympathtic heroine to young adults seeking to define their own paths."
-Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, The
"Mara Valentine is the ultimate over-achiever . . . but when her wild-child niece comes to visit, she wreaks havoc on Mara's perfectly planned life -- and teaches her that a little spontaneity can be a good thing."
-Twist Magazine
"Teenage angst and rebellion . . . expressed in unexpected ways."
-Teacher Magazine
"Don't miss this."
-Teen People
