Love, revenge, and high school news. The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions( by Amy Spalding is a hilarious romp through the drama of one teen’s senior year.
A ridiculously cute, formerly-famous new guy dropping into your life? It’s practically every girl’s dream.
But not Jules McCallister-Morgan’s.
I realize that on paper I look like your standard type-A, neurotic, overachiever. And maybe I am. But I didn’t get to be the editor of my school’s long-revered newspaper by just showing up*. I have one main goal for my senior year-early acceptance into my first choice Ivy League college-and I will not be deterred by best friends, moms who think I could stand to “live a little,” or boys.
At least, that was the plan before I knew about Alex Powell**.
And before Alex Powell betrayed me***.
I know what you’re thinking: Calm down, Jules. But you don’t understand. This stuff matters. This is my life. And I’m not going down without a fight.
—-
* Okay, I sort of did. But it’s a sore subject.
** I mean, I guess everyone knows about Alex Powell? Two years ago, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing about viral video boy band sensation Chaos 4 All. Two years ago, Alex Powell was famous.
***Some people think I’m overreacting. But this. Means. War.
Filled with romance, rivalry, and passive-aggressive dog walking, Amy Spalding delivers a hilariously relatable high school story that’s sure to have you falling for The New Guy.
Spalding’s latest is the YA equivalent of rom-com — it’s funny, romantic, and totally outrageous — but it also has a lot of heart and spirit. Jules is a spunky character, and while her obsessive personality certainly contributes to many of the challenges she faces — it’s also what makes The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions) such a fun read!
Spalding has a knack for writing really outrageous, ridiculous teenage drama — as she proves in The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions). But the book is also filled with a lot of heart, as well as humor. The romance is sweet and endearing, and you WANT to see Jules and Alex make it work. Likewise, the other supporting characters really help bring the story to life and make the scenes pop. In some ways, it reminds me of the teen comedy movies of the late ’90s that I spent many a weekend at the theater watching with my friends when I was in high school.
And nestled in the midst of the funny and the romantic, is some lovely character growth and development. Jules is an intense character, and for all her good intentions, she definitely has some issues to work out — and it’s nice to see her go through that experience and really mature over the course of the book.
The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions) is a light, fun, and fast read — perfect for a sunny weekend of reading outdoors. Look for it in stores April 5th.
Novel Novice 
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