In this young adult romantic novel, Kenneally tells the story of how Maya Henry, a punk girl who loves doing eighties tributes on the guitar, and Jesse Scott, a famous country star, fall in love. Maya Henry and Jesse Scott meet through career shadow day, which is when students from Hundred Oaks High shadow a professional individual in their aspired future field. Maya Henry aspires to become a musician because she love the thrill of performing on stage in front of a crowd, so she shadows the nephew of the principal of Hundred Oaks High who happens to be the well renowned Jesse Scott. Jesse and Maya don’t get along well at first, but once they spend a full day of getting to know each other and telling each other about their dreams and secrets, they become close friends. Jesse and Maya share the common love for music, and they duet together after Jesse invites Maya to record in the studio with him. Maya Henry is nervous to try out for Wannabe Rocker, a T.V show that awards the winner with a record deal with Reve Records, but she thinks about what Jesse told her- to take chances if she wants a chance at her dreams. Jesse Scott was the winner of Wannabe Rocker season three.
I enjoyed this book very much. I love Maya Henry’s spunky, sarcastic, and sweet personality. Jesse Scott has more of a mood changing personality with a bit of an attitude sometimes, and Maya puts up with it. Even though Jesse’s mood changes from time to time, he is extremely helpful and encouraging towards Maya. The relationship they build up is incredible. Even when they argue about certain little things, Maya and Jesse maintains a loving relationship. When Jesse is on tour and the pair is apart, they can’t stop thinking about each other. Everything they do and see remind them of each other. This book isn’t just about a sappy teenage relationship- it contains lots of surprises that keeps the reader flipping the pages.
This book is full of memorable twists and turns. I love how Kenneally describes Maya and Jesse’s relationship so realistically. There is nothing unrealistic in this love story. I will never forget the incredible bond, friendship, and relationship Jesse Scott and Maya Henry had!
Reviewed by Shirley, Grade 11, Gayton Library
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