The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig
by Don Zolidis
Historical Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Romance
* * * * Stars (Great!)
Craig and Amy are an unlikely couple – Amy is popular, outgoing, and a real class leader, while Craig has a few awkward nerdy friends who get together on Saturday nights to play D&D. But when Craig starts crushing on Amy, he finds a way for them to spend more time together – he joins her Youth in Government club. And then he crafts the type of legislation to win her affections. Surprisingly, this works really well for him. Until he finds out that Amy already has a boyfriend. That’s the first heartbreak. The rest follow as Amy decides to date and then not date Craig over and over again. It’s an emotional rollercoaster for both of them as Amy tries to figure out who she wants to be and they both deal with family situations (cancer, unemployment), and college decisions. Funny, poignant, and full of Wisconsin-specific details (read the chapter on deer hunting). Fans of the John Green type of realistic fiction should appreciate this (quirky characters, manic pixie dream girls).
Reviewed by Young Adult Librarian
