Monday, August 20, 2012

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles - PUBLIC

Elkeles, Simone Perfect Chemistry. 360 pgs. Walker & Company, 2009. $17.99. Language: R (including multiple 'f'), Sexual Content: R, Violence: R.

Alex Fuentes and Brittany Ellis couldn't be more different. Alex is a member of a gang, destined to drop out of high school, do drug deals, and, he believes, die a young and violent death just like his father. Brittany Ellis prides herself on being perfect - a facade she carries well, despite her crumbling private life. When Alex and Brittany are assigned as chemistry partners, they protest, but as they work together the sparks begin to fly. But does their romance have a chance, or are they star-crossed lovers in an intolerant world?

While the opposites-attact romance and gritty details of urban life will keep many reluctant readers turning the pages, the strong language and explicit sexual content make this more suitable for older teens - or even adults - in a public library setting. The relations between the two characters become very advanced and are described, at times, in detail. Drugs and alcohol are also touched upon, but not condoned.

HS - PUBLIC. Reviewed by: Caryn

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