Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny "Sense and Sensibility" takeoff highlights diversity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In ROSEWOOD: A MIDSUMMER MEET CUTE, Eila Das dreamed of becoming an actor. But after her dad passed away, Eila traded her passion for theater for a sensible career, insisting that she'll give up acting to become a lawyer. After all, she's the oldest, and it's her responsibility to take care of her younger sister, Mallika. Eila's devastated when she learns that the Norland Summer Shakespeare Academy has been canceled and replaced by Regency Camp, where producers of the hit Bridgerton-like TV show Rosewood will scout for potential talent. And she doesn't know what to think when she learns that Mallika submitted applications for them, and they were accepted.
While at Regency Camp, Eila meets Rahul Lee, a smart, handsome boy who happens to love Shakespeare and the theater as much as she does. But what happens when Eila discovers that Mallika and Rahul have been keeping secrets? Will Eila find a way to keep her acting dreams alive?
Is It Any Good?
This funny, fast-paced retelling of a Jane Austen classic highlights the need for diverse representation in mainstream media. Besides enjoying the update of Sense and Sensibility, readers will love the Regency facts regarding clothing, manners, and history between the chapters and the references to Shakespeare and Austen throughout the story. And although there is a charming, multicultural group of characters who believe in inclusivity, the plot is predictable, and the ending feels rushed. However, as Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute progresses, teens will see the importance of family, friendship, empathy, humility, and integrity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the various kinds of diversity in Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute. Why are diverse representations important in children's and young adult literature?
How do the characters demonstrate empathy, humility, and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Does the romance portrayed seem realistic and relatable? Do YA romance novels help readers sort out their feelings and learn how to communicate, or do they create false expectations about teen relationships?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Humility , Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : March 7, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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