Kisses

This novel focuses on the romantic quandaries of a 16-year-old violinist. Although Hannah Gold has plenty of dates, none of them are with the right boy. First there is Lance with his clammy palms; then there is George, gallant but boring; and Hannah's brief encounter with good-looking Richard turns out to be a disaster. Meanwhile, Hannah's parents are having problems with their marriage, and best friend Deirdre has gotten involved with an older boy who, according to Hannah, looks like an ex-convict. Hannah becomes convinced that perfect love exists only in the movies. After revising her expectations of life, she begins to view an old acquaintance in a new light and settles into a comfortable relationship based on trust. Caseley displays a knack for vivid characterization and realistic dialogue in this amusing, affecting story of adolescent concerns. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)