Leo Martino Steals Back His Heart

Gr 8 Up–High school senior Leo Martino has never had a boyfriend. He’s had so many near romances that he’s even created a scrapbook chronicling the heartbreak of each one. He’s determined to be truly in love, even as he watches his parents’ marriage fall apart. Leo is convinced that how he presents himself to the world must be the problem, so he sets out to recreate himself inside and out. With help from his best friends, Dillon and Varsha (who argue he is perfect as he is), Leo starts a “Boyfriend Material Checklist” by asking all his ex-crushes what made them walk away. As he begins conforming to what they want in a perfect boyfriend, Leo starts to become more popular, but also starts to anger his close friends and even starts to dislike himself. Then his biggest heartbreak Lincoln Chan wants to become close with him again. Geron’s novel about learning to be true to yourself in a world where conformity is preferred is a definite bright spot for teens looking for stories where romance and the joy in self-expression battle it out. The angst is heartwrenching at times but expressed so well from a teen’s perspective. Representations from all walks of life are implied in many of the characters; the bantering teenage dialogue throughout is current and makes the pages turn quickly.