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OLDER FICTION
Philippe, Ben

Charming as a Verb

336 pp. | HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray | October, 2020 | Trade ISBN 978-0-06-282414-1 $18.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-0-06-282427-1 $9.99
(2) YA Henri "Halti" Haltiwanger walks dogs for his well-to-do neighbors to earn money to help out at home, operating as an individual but pretending to work for a fictitious company to make himself look more legitimate. When his headstrong, studious (but socially awkward) neighbor Corinne discovers his deception, she blackmails him into helping her with her social skills. The arrangement results in a rom-com story line that complicates Halti's college aspirations. Halti's Haitian immigrant parents want him to attend Columbia University, which he's worked hard to make a reality; he knows he is at a disadvantage compared to his wealthy classmates. A poor decision puts Halti's dreams on the line as he tries to navigate his final year in high school, college admissions, young love, and friendship. In his second novel, Morris Award winner Philippe (The Field Guide to the North American Teenager) creates a witty, humorous, realistic snapshot of the pressures young people face as they make their way into adulthood. Through memorable, multifaceted characters, Philippe explores themes of how race, class, and socioeconomic status can open doors for some, while closing them for others. Refreshing, romantic, and at times laugh-out-loud funny, the book is satisfying and, yes, charming.
Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2021

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