The Opposite of Here

Gr 8 Up—After Natalie loses her boyfriend Paul in a terrible accident, her parents decide it's time for her to start living life again, and book a weeklong "sail-cation" for Natalie and her friends. Celebrating her birthday and a new outlook on life on a Caribbean cruise isn't her first choice, but Natalie decides to give it a try. Sea, sun, relaxation—and maybe even a new flame? Natalie meets a handsome stranger who makes her forget Paul for a little while. The two hit it off immediately. Then the new boy suddenly disappears, and Natalie must team up with his twin brother to track him down. Natalie learns that love isn't always what it seems and that sometimes your friends are the ones to count on in a crisis. The story is intertwined with scripts from "two-line films" the girls must create for their teacher, which provide interesting perspective to the story and characters. Fans of mystery and realistic fiction will appreciate this quick read. An interesting plot twist will keep readers guessing until the very end.