Book Description
for She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
A fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers plot about two young women is full of tropes and tons of fun. Scottie, who is white, is a basketball player, hung up on her ex, Tally. Indian American Irene is the head cheerleader, determined to win her high school’s Senior Athlete of the Year Award—something no cheerleader has even attempted before. A fender bender in the parking lot between them puts Irene’s car out of commission. While it’s in the shop, Scottie begrudgingly gives Irene a ride to and from school each day. But when Scottie finds out that Irene likes girls, she offers to give Irene the cost of the repair co-pay if Irene will pretend to date her. Scottie’s goal: make Tally jealous. When Irene and the cheer team begin showing up at the girls’ basketball practice (because it’s what a good girlfriend would do), the basketball team gains greater attention and confidence, a bonus for Scottie, who would love to beat Tally’s rival team. Of course Scottie and Irene fall for each other, but Scottie still has messy feelings for Tally, complicating a rom-com that offers a refreshing look at two queer teens whose families are totally, unflinchingly accepting of their sexuality. Moments of laugh-out-loud humor include references to classic 1980s romance movies, some of which are smartly discussed and deconstructed. (Age 13 and older)
CCBC Choices 2022. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2022. Used with permission.