Starry Eyes

Gr 9 Up—Zorie is a typical high school nerd who is defined by quirky glasses that match her outfits and her love of astronomy. The summer before senior year is going just as she planned in her bullet journal. That is until she is invited to go glamping—glamorous camping—with her friend Reagan. Zorie's careful plans are demolished. She has also found out an awful secret about her father. To compound the situation, boys are going on the trip too, including her former best friend Lennon and her crush Brett. It turns into an awful situation when Zorie and Reagan get in a huge fight and Reagan leaves Zorie and Lennon stranded at the resort. Zorie is devastated about her night with Reagan and about missing the meteor shower party she was supposed to attend near the glamping resort. In addition, Zorie does not want to go home and deal with her family issue. Luckily, Lennon the hiking expert convinces Zorie that the meteor shower party is not too far from where they are and that it would be easy to hike there. Vivid plots, and endearing characters make this novel impossible to put down. The plot is fun and relatable, and the love story is compelling. Bennett uses the wilderness, away from cell phones and Internet service, to create a perfect setting for Zorie's coming of age and budding relationship.