The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions)

This engaging young adult novel follows Jules, a driven high school senior whose meticulously planned path to an Ivy League college is upended by the arrival of Alex Powell, a charismatic new transfer student with a celebrity past. What starts as an unexpected romance quickly escalates into a rivalry when Alex commits a betrayal that jeopardizes Jules's academic future. The book explores themes of ambition, first love, friendship, and the challenges of adapting when life doesn't go according to plan, all wrapped in a humorous and relatable narrative. It's a great read for teens navigating the pressures of high school, dating, and discovering who they are beyond their achievements.

I realize that on paper I look like your standard type-A, neurotic, overachiever. And maybe I am. But I didn't get to be the editor of my school's long-revered newspaper by just showing up*. I have one main goal for my senior year-early acceptance into my first choice Ivy League college-and I will not be deterred by best friends, moms who think I could stand to "live a little," or boys.