cover image Famous Last Words

Famous Last Words

Jennifer Salvato Doktorski. Holt/Ottaviano, $17.99 (288p) ISBN 978-0-8050-9367-4

Aspiring reporter Sam D’Angelo, 16, is interning at her local New Jersey paper for the summer, stuck writing obituaries with her occasionally annoying, college-age fellow intern AJ. When she’s not taking phone calls about dead people, Sam writes humorous imaginary obits (including one for herself); spends time with her grandmother; lusts after the “incredibly hot” features intern, Tony Roma; and covertly investigates the shady mayor with AJ. Doktorski (How My Summer Went Up in Flames) offers another strong, funny, and quirky protagonist, along with a well-developed supporting cast. Work, family life, friendships, and potential romance are skillfully woven together, though Sam’s journalistic aspirations take center stage as she tries to climb from lowly coffee gopher and obituary writer to investigative reporter. It’s easy to fall for Sam’s self-deprecating wit, go-getter enthusiasm, occasional stumbles, and fascination with boys; her dedication to the imperiled newspaper and her eccentric colleagues will endear her to readers, too. A satisfying office romance set against the backdrop of tight deadlines and a changing media landscape. Ages 12–up. Agent: Kerry Evans, Levine Greenberg Literary Agency. (July)