No Experience Required: #1

At 16, Debbie Leslie's charmed life is disrupted by her parents' sudden divorce. When Mrs. Leslie tells her daughter to find a part-time job, Debbie finagles a position at the rundown Heartbreak Cafe, a hangout for troubled teens. Joe Garbardini, the owner's 17-year-old grandson, who practically runs the place, is convinced Debbie is a prima donna, and wagers she won't last a month. The girl is determined to prove him wrong, even if it means upsetting Grant, her snobbish boyfriend. Debbie is identifiably human--feisty, headstrong, a bit self-centered--with the strength to meet new challenges and responsibilities despite the pain of her parents' breakup. Although the supporting characters are largely stereotypical (the superficial, rich, popular kids vs. the more sincere, indigent ``misfits''), this frank, first-person narrative is worthwhile for its understanding portrayal of divorce, first-job jitters and evolving relationships. Quin-Harkin's skilled storytelling effectively blends wry humor with universal concerns. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)