The Heartbreakers

Gr 9 Up—Stella has spent most of her high school years subsumed in the small world of her twin sister, Cara's, illness. Homeschooling and countless hours in hospitals did not give Stella much opportunity for a social life. She loves photography but has deferred a college program to be closer to home while Cara continues cancer treatment. On a road trip to Chicago with her brother and fellow triplet Drew, a cute stranger treats Stella to coffee. She and Drew are planning to get autographs from Cara's favorite band as the ultimate 18th birthday present. Unfamiliar with the group she is waiting in line to see, she is shocked to learn that the stranger from the coffee shop is Oliver Perry, the lead singer for "The Heartbreakers." Despite her disdain for the band's music, she and Drew wind up spending a crazy night with the boys who happen to be staying in the same hotel. Oliver leaves Stella with his phone number and the request to call him. Convinced that she won't see him again, she doesn't call and weeks pass before she is surprised by an interesting offer from the band's management. What ensues is a whirlwind of tough decisions, heartbreaks, and numerous adventures. The plot moves along at a compulsively readable pace, though the characters vary in complexity. The satisfying conclusion leaves the door open for a welcome sequel.