wpinello 's review for:

Fake Skating by Lynn Painter

4.0

emotional funny medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

---

I have all of Lynn Painter’s YA romance novels in my classroom library. Better Than the Movies is my go to recommendation when a student tells me they want to read a romance, so I was really excited to read Fake Skating ahead of its release. Thank you Simon & Schuster Books for the eARC! 

I can easily see students loving this book. Both Dani and Alec are really likable characters. I love that we get a dual perspective, because while some students might relate to Dani, others might appreciate Alec’s perspective. I thought Dani’s character had some great character development and I loved that her growth wasn’t just because of a boy— or, for a boy. I also love how thoughtful and reflective she was, particularly when it came to her father. While she didn’t always act in mature ways, I thought she worked hard to maintain a healthy perspective (even when the adults in her life didn’t). We don’t always give teenagers credit for how reflective and thoughtful they can be, and I appreciate that Lynn Painter does. I also appreciate that both characters are working through their own set of challenges outside of their relationship. I thought Painter did a good job balancing it all out. The setting was also great and I got a great sense of the culture of this place and the role hockey played in all of it. It felt authentic. Loved Grandpa Mick. 

In the end, this book is FUN and full of teenage angst and drama. Young adult readers will enjoy it and I look forward to recommending it to my students.