If We Kiss

If We Kiss
By Rachel Vail
Harper Trophy, 2006. 259 pgs. Young Adult

Fourteen-year-old Charlie has a big problem. Kevin Lazarus kisses her out behind the school one day...but then a few days later, he kisses her best friend Tessa at a party. Tessa and Kevin start going out, but Charlie still likes Kevin and can't stop thinking about kissing him again. Things become more complicated when Charlie's mom starts dating Kevin's dad; although the situation is totally awkward, it also places Charlie in close proximity to Kevin. While there are many reasons why they shouldn't kiss, Charlie can't help but wonder what will happen if they do.

This book didn't really grip me, but I think tweens and young teenagers would like it. It's easy to read, and the emotional battle Charlie goes through will ring true to them.

AE