We’ve Hit Turbulence

Gr 9 Up–There’s not much going on in the second semester of senior year for high-schooler Olive, so she decides to take a week off before spring break to surprise her boyfriend, Jack, at college in Hawai‘i. Olive is afraid that Jack is cheating. On the flight, Olive finds that she is seated next to her ex, Tyler, whom she dumped and whose heart she regrets breaking. While Tyler flies by the seat of his pants, Olive has control issues and yearns for stability. As the story unfolds, Olive evolves into a dynamic character and learns to reconnect with Tyler; repairs her relationship with her best friend, Delia, who identifies as LGBTQIA+; and even strengthens her bond with her flighty mother. However, Olive does not tend to herself as dearly as she does others. Although Tyler teaches Olive to get out of her comfort zone, the relationship seems one-sided. At the same time, Olive’s mom keeps pressuring her to chase love until it sticks. This book could be a charming travel companion for anyone heading to Oahu, since Cozzi highlights some neat off-the-beaten-path spots. The story includes strong language, drinking, and consensual sex. Main characters cue white.