Parents' Guide to

You Have a Match

By Mandie Caroll, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Fun, heartfelt summer camp tale shows love in many forms.

Book Emma Lord Coming of Age 2021
You Have a Match Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

YOU HAVE A MATCH is about outdoorsy Abby Day, a talented but shy nature photographer, struggling student, and big sister. Abby takes a DNA test to encourage her lifelong best friend and secret crush, Leo, to do one as well, since he was adopted. Abby is shocked to learn she has an older sister, Savvy, a semi-famous, yoga-posing, model-gorgeous Instagram star -- basically, Abby's polar opposite. The two plot to be at the same summer camp, Abby as a camper and Savvy as a counselor, to try to figure out why their parents kept them apart. Things do not go well. Savvy is a stickler for rules and is on Abby's case about gum-chewing and tree-climbing, and Leo, of all people, is the camp's co-chef, thwarting her hope to cure herself of her crush. There's also the fact that any day now, Abby's parents will come to drag her back home for lying about flunking a class, so she's in quite a time crunch to figure out at least some of the mess her life has become.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (3 ):

This novel charms with the snarky wit of teen culture and the central concerns of growing up in the information age. Premised on the phenomenon of DNA services turning up hidden relatives and family secrets, You Have a Match is a sweet coming-of-age tale. It's populated with well-developed and relatable characters, like quirky, resilient Abby, and Leo, the kind of nonstereotypical boy character teen media needs. It's got a lush, beautifully constructed Pacific Northwest setting and a swoon-worthy romance. Its strengths allow readers to forgive the implausible setup of finding a secret sister who lives nearby and ending up at summer camp with her and your best friend/crush.

Unfortunately, the book centers the adoption of Savvy, who is White, and downplays Leo's adoption story. Adopted from the Philippines by White parents, Leo longs to connect with his birth family and culture, but we learn little more than that. Lord doesn't explore his transracial adoption experience with the depth it deserves, and though Leo eventually connects meaningfully with his Filipino identity, it's still a cringeworthy dynamic, given the overall focus on the fallout of Savvy's adoption. It's certainly a topic to discuss with readers. Aside from this, the book is a fast-paced, fun read with lots of teen appeal.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Abby grows over the course of You Have a Match. At the start of the story, what would you say Abby's biggest problems are? How does she learn to confront those problems? Can you relate to anything Abby goes through?

  • Communication in friendships and relationships is a big theme in this book. What makes talking about conflict with others hard, or easier? What skills do you need to learn in order to be a better communicator?

  • There are two adoption stories in this book: Savvy's and Leo's. Which gets more attention? Why do you think it gets more attention? Why might the author have included Leo's adoption story?

Book Details

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