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The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
Harper Teen / Harper Collins
Publication Date: February 18, 2020
ISBN: 978-0062918055
Brett is a popular jock and all around nice guy with a seemingly perfect life. Becca is a smart, quiet, hard-working girl who flies under the radar. Becca’s more interested in reading about love than experiencing it herself, and Brett’s priorities have been football and pleasing his father. The two start a fake relationship that evolves into the real deal.
This is a quick, light-hearted, romance with a focus on stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and trusting one’s heart. Brett and Becca both experience problems; Brett’s dad is having an affair, while Becca’s dad has a new family. The two find support in one another they didn’t realize they needed. Their dynamic is sweet and laugh out loud funny. Narration alternates between the two main characters, but the story is easy to follow.
Fans of authors Jennifer E. Smith, Stephanie Perkins, and Jenny Han will flock to this one. Teens who enjoy rom coms like 10 Things I Hate About You or Set It Up will enjoy this title.
–Aimee Haslam and Sarah Carnahan
