cover image Our Broken Pieces

Our Broken Pieces

Sarah White. HarperTeen, $9.99 trade paper (288p) ISBN 978-0-06-247313-4

Everly Morgan thought that her senior year would be filled with fun times with her boyfriend, Brady, and best friend, Elle. That changes when she finds the two of them in a compromising position and learns that most of her friends were aware of the betrayal. To deal with her depression and anxiety, Everly starts seeing a therapist every Tuesday, which is where she meets Gabe, a classmate she has never noticed before. Even though Everly has sworn off love, her attraction to Gabe is undeniable. White, who has built up a following on Wattpad for her Rookie in Love series and other stories, knows how to put together a steamy romantic scene, though she often dips into clichéd turns of phrase (“I feel my lips curl up into a smile”). The novel attempts to tackle some serious issues, particularly regarding mental health, but it lacks much of an emotional punch, especially when Everly’s concerns turn to whether she’ll have fun during spirit week or get the “promposal” of her dreams. Ages 14–up. [em]Agent: Christine Witthohn, Book Cents Literary. (Aug.) [/em]