Kissing Brendan Callahan Book

Like many girls who read, Sarah wants to be a writer — a best-selling author of romances. Her plan is to enter a local teen writing contest to be judged by romance writer Antonia DeMarco (author of Enraptured Thorns in My Heart) and win first place by dazzling Antonia with her passionate and soulful writing. What could go wrong? Mom won't let Sarah enter the contest, that's what. Then along comes Brendan Callahan, a rule-breaking boy she has never liked. Will Sarah let Brendan teach her to stand up for herself?

Myrna Marler - KLIATT

Twelve-year-old Katie wants to be a writer. Her role model is romance writer Antonia DeMarco, author of Enraptured Thorns of My Heart, and similar novels. As fate would have it, Antonia is set to judge the writing contest organized by her mother, the manager of a Staten Island newspaper. The trouble is that Katie's mother won't let her talented daughter enter the contest because of possible nepotism. Katie, encouraged by the boy next door and possible boyfriend, 12-year-old Brendan Callahan, decides to enter under another name. She also decides to keep Antonia away from her mother by offering to become Antonia's assistant. The "great writer" turns out to be not so great after all, and Katie learns lessons in judging character. The message of this novel is mixed, in that while Brendan encourages Katie to develop spunk and assertiveness, her spunk and assertiveness lead to disastrous consequences—until she confides in her mother, who saves the day. Yet, on the last page, Katie sneaks out of the house again to support Brendan by attending his debut at a comedy club, in spite of being grounded by her mother. The writing is fast-paced and amusing. Young readers will enjoy Katie's adventures and battles with her mom, but the underlying theme is problematic. KLIATT Codes: J—Recommended for junior high school students. 2005, Roaring Brook, 160p., Ages 12 to 15.