Star Crossed

Star Crossed
by Barbara Dee
Reviewed by Abigail

Crushes are never easy. Whether it being afraid, unsure, or just completely flustered all the time, there are never just a simple thing. Especially in 8th grade, where everyone is watching couples every move.

Star Crossed is a book about every typical 8th grade crush. Maddie’s story follows her, her friends Tessa and Lucy, and her crush the beautiful and kind Gemma. As Maddie struggles with her feelings for Gemma, opening night for the 8th grade play Romeo and Juliet comes ever closer. Maddie is cast as Romeo after another student drops out, leaving her next to her Juliet; Gemma. With all the stress of the play, her friends are starting to catch onto Maddie’s crush and are pressing her more and more about it each day.

The author Barbara Dee translates Shakespeare's beautiful story of Romeo and Juliet into a modern day love story. She used clever clues and brilliant writing to make a story that leaves you wanting more. My rating for this book is high, at least 9/10. My only criticism is that the story moves along a bit slow in the beginning, but overall really amazing. I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re looking for a casual queer story.

The books a little below 7th grade reading level, but it’s still an interesting story. I’m glad that there are more books like this where characters can have a same sex relationship without it being the main topic of the story. And the author's subtle hints and storytelling that leads the reader into a moment of realization whenever you see things meetup. In conclusion, I feel like this book is a great story of literature and cleverness, and recommend it to everyon