Student Book Reviews 8-24-2009

“When It Happens” Reviewed by Elizabeth Suss

“When It Happens” by Susan Colasanti is a fiction book set in New Jersey. The novel focuses on a high school love triangle involving the three main characters Sara, Tobey, and Dave.

Sara, a smart and average girl, has a huge crush on the popular high school jock, Dave. In her heart she knows that Dave likes her back, so she waits an entire summer for him to profess this to her.

Tobey, on the other hand, is a lazy, but smart musician, who has had a crush on Sara for a very long time. When he finally has the guts to stand up to her, he finds out she is with Dave.

Because Dave is popular, Sara’s old friends are no longer acceptable to Dave, causing Sara to slowly forget about them. One of Sara’s friends realizes that Tobey has a crush on Sara and that Tobey may be the one person who can get Sara back to her old self.

Tobey does everything in his power to accomplish this goal. He gives her everything that Dave cannot and makes her realize that he is the one she wants, not Dave.

Sara goes back and forth between the two guys throughout the entire novel. Who does she end up with?

I thoroughly enjoyed “When It Happens.” I would give the book a 7 out of 10 because it kept me wanting to read more. I would recommend this book to high school students who are looking for a book that is full of everyday high school experiences.

Elizabeth Suss is a graduating senior in the gifted program at Hahnville High. She enjoys playing the piano, golfing, hanging out with friends, and reading. Elizabeth plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi with a major in marketing and a minor in music.

Editor’s note: Book reviews are published weekly in agreement with Hahnville High School gifted English teacher Deborah Unger in conjunction with the Brown Foundation Service Learning Program.

 

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