Top Ten

Gr 9 Up—Told in alternating viewpoints between Ryan McCullough and Gabby Hart, this novel presents their high school friendship and the transition between graduation and college. The two are not likely friends; but somehow their relationship works. He is a hockey player, while she is a bisexual introvert who deals with social anxiety. The ups and downs of their friendship will resonate with readers. Will they end up together despite Gabby's previous relationship with a girl named Shay? Some teens will be drawn to the style of the book—it takes the form of a countdown of the top 10 moments of their relationship starting in present day and told in flashbacks, allowing teens to understand how the pair ended up where they are. Gabby's social anxiety is well-portrayed; her difficulty doing things alone may prove therapeutic for some. This novel will appeal to older fans of YA romance.