Pros of Cons, written by Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar, and Michelle Schusterman, reviewed by Kalie Mehaffy

Summary: Vanessa, or Ness, was looking forward to meeting her internet girlfriend at WTFcon, the convention for all things fandom. Phoebe was excited for the Indoor Percussion Association Convention (IPAC). Callie was excited to attempt to reconnect with her dad at the World Taxidermy Championships. Unfortunately, all three of them find that perhaps their excitement was misplaced. Luckily for them, misery loves company, and between the three of them, they're sure that they can find a way to make the best of their bad situations. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I think this book is absolutely delightful. It is a great book for a reluctant reader, especially any reluctant readers who want something that is realistic fiction instead of sports. I think the review puts it the best - this book shows us how three girls can come together, make a connection, and find solutions to their problems - even if they mess up. There is nothing explicit in this book - although there are vague mentions of hooking up, and about three scenes where characters kiss and/or make out with each other. Additionally, there are a few LGBTQ+ characters, so if you are looking for more representation for your high school library, this book is a great choice! This book utilizes its plot and characters to show teens that there are others who have their problems, and helps to teach them life lessons; I think that the best way this book can be used with students is as an example that even if things are messy, or complicated, or difficult, that you can still come together with friends and find hope in your circumstances. In addition, I think it is great for showing how to apologize when you have made a mistake, and it shows what an acceptance of that apology can look like. Overall, I love this book for my library - it has great representation, it teaches important life lessons in a way that students can connect to, and it is an amazing book for my reluctant readers who want realistic or literary fiction.