Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Body-positive LGBTQ+ romcom perfect for book lovers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In RECOMMENDED READING, Bobby Ashton has his summer before college all planned out: Work for the college bookstore, run the esteemed book festival, and land the perfect boyfriend. But when a romantic grand gesture goes horribly wrong, he finds himself jobless, boyfriend-less, and in danger of losing his much-needed college scholarship. Fortunately, Bobby is an optimist and manages to cobble together a new plan. While it's not as grand as the original, it will have to be enough. But then Bobby meets Luke, the new boy in town. Can he put his failures behind him and find a way to salvage the Summer of Bobby?
Is It Any Good?
Funny and sweet, this book is an easy read perfect for those looking for an LGBTQ+ romance with very little spice and lots of charm. Recommended Reading focuses on Bobby's relationships with his family, friends, and workmates as much as on his will-they-or-won't-they romance. But that's just fine, as the cast of characters is diverse and enjoyable, adding charm to what's otherwise a fairly straightforward opposites-attract romance.
The story is well paced, with plenty of side plots to keep it moving. The characters are generally likable. The storyline is fairly predictable, following classic romance tropes, but it's still good fun. Cute checklists that track Bobby's summer goals are interspersed throughout the book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the topic of body image in Recommended Reading. Do Bobby's feelings about his body affect his relationships?
Bobby is determined to help everyone around him find love, even if they don't want his help. How does his perseverance affect his friendships? When is it wise to back off and not interfere?
There are a handful of LGBTQ+ couples in the fictional town of Little Elm. Does the small town's acceptance of these relationships seem realistic? Why do you think the author wrote it this way?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Zando Young Readers
- Publication date : January 28, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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