Simone Breaks All the Rules

Gr 6 Up–High school senior Simone Thibodeaux has always played by her parents’ rules—whether she wanted to or not. With a perfect older sister not offering much help rebellion-wise, and as graduation—and more importantly, prom—looms, Simone joins with two friends with similarly strict parents and the trio composes a senior year bucket list to help them finally let loose. From cutting class to clubbing, these New Jersey teens bond over their families’ loving but tight holds. Simone’s main obsession—getting a prom date—eclipses her other plans as she attempts to avoid the (admittedly cute) setup her mom has arranged. This romp through New Jersey is a lighthearted peek into Haitian American life, as Simone deals with her protective mother and the rest of her family, all well-drawn, nuanced, multidimensional characters. In particular, Simone’s dynamic with her mother and sister crackles with realism, humor, and affection. Some of the back-and-forth of prom date switches slows down the plot, but ultimately teens will enjoy this fun family story.