Perfect Chemistry by Simone ElkelesClick on the book cover to see which libraries own it.
SUMMARY: At Fairfield High School, on the outskirts of Chicago, everyone knows that south-siders mixing with north-siders can be explosive. So when Brittany Ellis and Alex Fuentes are forced to be lab partners in chemistry class, this human experiment leads to unexpected revelations--that Brittany's flawless reputation is a cover for her troubled home life, that Alex's bad-boy persona hides his desire to break free from gang ties, and that when they're together, life somehow makes more sense. Breaking through the stereotypes and expectations that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart, Perfect Chemistry takes readers to both sides of the tracks in a passionate love story about looking beneath the surface. (from the back cover)
OPINION: This urban novel has echoes of Romeo and Juliette, but it is not just another tale of star-crossed lovers. Yes, it has romance, but it also deals with the social issues and prejudices that lurk just beneath the surface in any school or community. By alternating chapters from the viewpoints of Brittany and Alex, the author manages to portray both characters in an authentic way. After all, most people are never just made of what we see on the outside. This is a realistic look at what happens when you break the unwritten rules.
1 comment:
gretchen if this book is still on the shelves... can you set it aside for friday?
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