Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kind of cute and funny but super predictable teen romcom.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Slacker Zak's had his eye on overachiever Ana for a while, but she's way out of his league. When Zak gets caught cheating on a paper, the only way he can pass the class and graduate on time is to rewrite the paper and participate in an out-of-town quiz-bowl tournament. The only good news is that Ana is the team captain. So when Zak's asked to look after Ana's younger brother, Clayton, who's also on the team, it seems like the perfect opening for him to get to know Ana. Clayton sneaks away to go to a sci-fi/comic book convention. Ana and Zak go after him, but can they find him amid the "con" craziness and get him back to the hotel before curfew?
Is It Any Good?
Heavy on romcom clichés, from the opposites-attract protagonists to the utterly predictable plot points, this sometimes feels more like a screenplay treatment than a novel. Even so, Ana and Zak are quirky, funny characters teens will relate to, and romance fans especially will enjoy their madcap adventure through a Seattle comic-con and into each other's hearts.
THE IMPROBABLE THEORY OF ANA & ZAK alternates narration between the protagonists and creates two likable, believable characters. The zaniness of the comic convention is vividly captured and studded with equally quirky and interesting minor characters. The plot, despite the predictability, moves at a good pace and keeps the laughs coming. Teens and romance fans will enjoy this light, fun read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the idea that opposites attract. Do you think that's true? What kind of future do you see for Ana and Zak?
Who are some romantic couples from books or movies? How do Ana and Zak compare as a couple? What makes a great romantic pair?
Do you think Ana and Zak's relationship is realistic? What rings true about it? What seems like a stretch?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Katherine Tegen Books
- Publication date : May 19, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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