2025
WISE Score
Amazon
High school stress meets boy band dreams in a road trip story that's basically a warm hug for your brain.
4.5
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Ali Novak knows her audience. If your teen is into Jenny Han or Kasie West, this is a guaranteed hit. It's not high literature, but it's a solid, emotionally resonant read that deals with family trauma without becoming a total downer.
It's the kind of book that’s perfect for a long flight or a weekend away. It's safe, sweet, and avoids the 'spice' that parents often worry about in modern YA while still feeling relevant to a 2026 teenager.
Best for ages 12 to 17. It's written for the younger end of the YA spectrum—clean enough for mature middle schoolers but with enough emotional depth for high schoolers.
It balances a sweet, 'clean' romance with real-world family weight. It models loyalty and the importance of working through grief rather than just burying it under perfect grades.
It leans heavily on classic YA tropes—the secret identity, the boy band member, the life-changing road trip. It's not reinventing the wheel, but it executes the 'escapist' vibe well.
Very low risk. No explicit content or graphic violence. The primary 'danger' is the emotional weight of a missing sibling and a parent's heavy expectations.
Offers good perspective on the 'golden child' syndrome and how family secrets can stifle personal growth. It encourages teens to define themselves outside of their parents' shadows.
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