The Wrong Side of Right

Gr 9 Up—After her mother passed away in a sudden accident, 16-year-old Kate Quinn is left parentless and forced to move cross-country from Los Angeles to South Carolina to live with her uncle. Nearly a year later, while still in a haze of grief, she comes home to a yard full of reporters and the Republican candidate for president sitting in her living room—claiming to be her father. From that moment, she quickly finds herself in the national spotlight, living with a family that she has just met, and falling for a boy whom she can't entirely trust. When she realizes that she may be campaigning for someone who does not share her beliefs, she must figure out how to stay true to herself while preserving her new family and life. Thorne's debut novel is a smart and well-executed story that feels fresh and familiar. It is easy to like strong, intelligent Kate throughout, and the supporting cast of characters are fleshed out well. The relationship between the protagonist and the adults in her life are realistically complicated. Fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han will appreciate this well-crafted story about love and family.—Amanda Augsburger, Moline Public Library, IL