To Jaykae: Life Stinx - Hardcover

Jean Davies Okimoto is the author of many award-winning books for young people, including The Eclipse of Moonbeam Dawson, Take a Chance, Gramps!, Jason's Women, and Molly by Any Other Name. She is the recipient of the ALA Best Book for Young Adults Award, the IRA/CBC Young Adults' Choice and Parents' Choice awards, the Washington Governor's Award, and the Maxwell Medallion for Best Children's Book of the Year. She lives with her husband in Seattle.

Grade 9 Up-A humorous sequel to Jason's Women (Little, Brown, 1986). Nothing seems to be going right in Jason Kovak's world. His best friend has moved to California, his divorced father is about to remarry, and he is not thrilled with his prospective stepmother. Even worse is her son Josh, who is everything Jason isn't: athletic, handsome, and popular, especially with the girls. The only bright moment in Jason's life comes when he meets Allison, a surfer from Hawaii, in cyberspace. Jason really connects with this girl. They get to know one another online, but when she asks for his picture, he sends her one of Josh instead. Finally, Jason decides to be honest with her, and he realizes that he should have told the truth all along. Okimoto has crafted a charming, sensitive coming-of-age story that deftly captures the awkwardness of adolescence. Many teens will identify with the boy's self-doubt and his struggle to be comfortable with himself. This is one of those rare novels that will appeal equally to boys and girls. It's a lot of fun, but it also has heart.
Edward Sullivan, New York Public Library
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