Gr 9 Up- debut novel sure to resonate with high schoolers who eagerly anticipate graduation and the start of college. Danielle Cavanaugh is one of those students until she flunks a senior English class and Ohio State University (the school her mother always wanted her to attend) rescinds its offer of admission. In an effort to show her parents that she is mature enough to solve her problems on her own, Danielle enrolls in a nearby community college with the intention of passing the required English class and transferring immediately to Ohio State for the spring semester. Danielle gets a job in the college bookstore and befriends the quirky but lovable Porter, who writes everything down in notebooks. While out with her friend Zoe one night, Danielle becomes reacquainted with a childhood friend, Luke, and romance blossoms. Her parents are thrilled she is dating a star athlete from a well-known family. As the semester progresses, however, Danielle discovers a passion for environmental issues and begins to pursue interests that are far from what her parents had planned. And is Luke really the guy for her? Or is the right guy in plain sight? Danielle is a savvy, likable character with whom teens will easily identify. Sexual situations are hinted at but are not central to the plot. VERDICT Romance fans will enjoy this fast-paced story that features an interesting set of characters and satisfying conclusion.Anne Jung-Mathews, Plymouth State University, NH

After Danielle flunks English, Ohio State University, where she was going to major in new media and technology, revokes her admission. How will this look for her mom's business as a college-placement psychic? Danielle takes responsibility to put her life back on track. She enrolls in Denton Community College and takes on a part-time job. Along the way, she reunites with her tween crush, but Luke, always busy with football, has little time for her. She spends more time with Porter, a co-worker who writes observations about life—and about Danielle—in little notebooks. She takes on an internship that rekindles her passion for the environment and changes her life's trajectory. The Big F is a lexicon of Danielle's mistakes, missteps, and growth. Each chapter begins with a word starting with the letter "f," and its definition foreshadows the course of the chapter. Danielle's story is full of run-of-the-mill teen conflicts and resolutions: mom's preoccupation with work; her parent's dreams for her do not match her own; a mismatched romance; and developing the courage to find and fulfill one's passion. Danielle is a likeable character who tries to do the right thing. Readers will have confidence in her even when she sometimes lacks self-assurance. A light tone and predictable storyline make The Big F an easy, enjoyable read.—Stefanie N. Hughes.