YOU, MAYBE

Sophomore Josie narrates: She has two best friends, two parents who care about her in an absentminded way and Michael, whom she’s known since forever, whom she writes songs with and whom she kisses absentmindedly on a regular basis. She’s also Tallulah, a clown who does kids parties—and very well, too. When Carson, the absolute pinnacle of gorgeousness and a senior to boot, pursues her, she’s resistant, then flattered, then downright overcome by the sweetness of his kisses and how cool it is to be his. He’s also manipulative and mean, and readers see the process unfold as Josie does. Josie abandons her clown gig, Michael on his birthday and almost her virginity to Carson, but he’s transparently using her to get an old girlfriend back, and Josie finds her own self just in time. There are some great lines here, a terrific voice and some thoughtful ideas about love and friendship. (Fiction. YA)