Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Krawczyk
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, sweet romance tips hat to romcom films and tropes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Parents say the book receives mixed reviews; while many praise its cute and heartwarming story, positive role models, and relatable themes of love and growing up, some believe it to be slightly overrated and express concerns about the language used and some mature content. Overall, it is recommended for readers aged 11 and up, with the understanding that maturity levels may vary among younger audiences.
- cute story
- great characters
- mixed reviews
- suitable for teens
- some mature content
- light romance
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 87 kid reviews
Kids say this book is an incredibly fun and engaging read, characterized by its humor and sweet romance, making it appealing to a middle school audience and up, despite some swearing and minor mentions of drinking. Most readers rave about the lovable characters, their chemistry, and the relatable themes of navigating relationships and personal growth, while a few express concern over the maturity level of the content for younger readers.
- fun and cute
- relatable characters
- swearing present
- sweet romance
- appropriate for young readers
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In BETTER THAN THE MOVIES, Liz Buxbaum is hoping to find romance with her old crush, Michael, during senior year. She's a huge fan of romcom films, a passion she shared with her screenwriter mom, who died several years ago. Liz imagines any potential romance in light of her favorite movies. Liz enlists the aid of her neighbor/lifelong frenemy, Wes, to help her get together with Michael. Things get complicated when Liz hides her scheming from her best friend, Joss. She also struggles to include her stepmom in her life as she navigates all of the "lasts" of senior year without her mom. Then, as Liz spends more time with Wes, her feelings for him begin to change. Miscommunications, mishaps, and misunderstandings start to pile up. Will Liz's lies and secrets catch up with her? Will her idea of a dream romance prevent her from having a true one?
Is It Any Good?
This sweet romantic comedy is entertaining and a lot of fun. Liz is a quirky but relatable teen who likes wearing boldly patterned dresses with pockets, reading novels, and watching romcom films. Although her scheming and lies can be frustrating at times, she's ultimately an endearing character, and readers will root for her. Liz's grief over her mother's absence during her senior year is movingly and realistically portrayed. As for humor, the banter between Liz and Wes is laugh-out-loud funny at times. Wes is kind, compassionate, and open-minded, a positive teen boy role model. Many romcom cliches are included in the plot of Better Than the Movies, including a makeover, fake dating, and "enemies to lovers." Not all readers will get all of the references, especially since some of the films mentioned have an older target audience than that of the book. But overall, readers who like romcoms will find much to love in this one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how grief is addressed in Better Than the Movies. Why does Liz hide her grief? How does she learn humility and start to communicate more honestly with the people who care about her?
Liz often finds herself at odds with her best friend, Joss, her neighbor, Wes, and her stepmom, Helena. They all care about Liz very much. In what ways are they compassionate toward her?
Romance is the main theme of the book, and many classic romcom films are mentioned. Do you enjoy romantic comedies? If so, what are your favorites, and why? If not, why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Humility
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : May 4, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle, App
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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