STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS ONE BEFORE

In 1995, Korean-American high-school junior Albert Kim has decided to be an intentional loser, figuring that no social obligations means no need for social skills. Then he’s paired with Mia Stone, formerly half of the school’s erstwhile power couple, at a summer job. After a shaky start, the two hit it off and begin dating, but fall and the return to the hell of high school in their Boston suburb threatens their relationship. Then Mia’s ex, Ryan, an arrogant lacrosse-playing hottie, is diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and becomes the school (and town) martyr. Mia rushes to Ryan’s side, and Albert’s happy ending is almost ruined by Ryan’s duplicity and Albert’s own stupidity. Yoo’s second (Girls for Breakfast, 2005) riff on the theme of Asian-American outcasts in high school is occasionally funny but more often frustrating. Albert is barely likable and narrates his story with frequent digressions. Mid-’80s pop-culture references, especially the music, may well be lost on today’s teens. This will work best in collections serving large populations of Asian-American teens. (Fiction. YA)