The Rules #1: The Slope Rules written by Melanie Hooyenga, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Cally enjoys a competitive skiing vacation in Colorado, where she meets Blake, a charming snowboarder who sees her beyond just being "one of the guys." Their holiday romance blossoms, but upon returning home to Vermont, Cally is heartbroken when Blake suddenly stops communicating. To her surprise, her father announces they are moving to Colorado to open a new brewery, and Cally discovers Blake attends her new school. However, he ignores her, and she becomes entangled with the popular "Snow Bunnies," who set strict rules she must follow. As Cally navigates her identity amid social pressures, she learns to embrace her true self while aiming for a spot on the ski team. Throughout her journey, she uncovers Blake's hidden struggles and realizes that the challenges on the slopes reflect deeper life lessons. This heartfelt tale of first love, self-discovery, and resilience in the face of bullying offers an engaging narrative for young readers. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  School librarians can effectively integrate "The Slope Rules" into the curriculum by using it as a resource for discussions on themes such as identity, friendship, and resilience. Organizing book clubs or reading groups can encourage students to explore these themes while fostering a love for reading. Librarians can create lesson plans that involve character analysis, where students examine Cally's growth and how her experiences shape her identity. Additionally, incorporating the book into health and wellness discussions can help students address issues like bullying and peer pressure, as Cally navigates social dynamics in her new school. The novel can also serve as a springboard for creative writing assignments, prompting students to write their own coming-of-age stories. Pairing the book with activities related to winter sports can enhance engagement, allowing students to connect literature with real-world experiences. The author is a local Michigan author.  (yay!) I think that this book is a great addition to a YA sports romance sub-genre.  I would be comfortable recommending this to 13-17 year olds.  Personally, I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.