Who would you recommend this book to?
I would recommend this book to someone around the age of 13-16. It would be great for them because they would be starting to deal with all of these issues in real life, since they would be going into high school.
How could teens and preteens benefit from reading this book?
Preteens and teens would benefit from reading this book in many ways. One way they would benefit from reading it is that it would give them an insight into what high school is like, in a very real setting. The setting of the book could be any high school in the area in which I live. It might also help them if they are going through a similar situation as one of the characters in the book, and could help them feel as if they are not alone in dealing with their similar social issue.
What is one major theme you noticed running through the story?
The theme of influence was present throughout the book. Courtney, the main character was never into partying and drugs, but after being exposed to the popular group of friends she was highly influenced to do these things. Another example is how Courtney influenced her boyfriend Chris to steer away from drugs and alcohol, to help get his life back on track. We saw how a person can be influenced and can alternately use their influence.
How do you, as a teenager, personally relate to this story?
I could relate to this book in the sense that many of my friends have had similar issues with boys and I have had to help them. I can also relate to Courtney’s relationship with Julianna, in the sense that my friends have changed since Junior High School. Sometimes it can be a little awkward when having parties and events considering not everyone gets invited, but in the end it works out for everyone. We all change socially in our teenage years because people are interested in different things and have different ideas of what is fun.
Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person
Growing up in the shadow of two NFL-destined cousins, Chris Dunkin has high hopes for his own future in football. However, a drug addiction threatens to destroy everything he has worked hard to attain. When Chris meets Courtney Angeletti–the mayor’s straightedge Christian daughter–he believes she could be the source of inspiration he needs to overcome his destructive lifestyle. Courtney, however, has other ideas.
The desire to rebel has been tugging on Courtney’s heartstrings for some time, and Chris’s “bad-boy” reputation draws her to him like a moth to a flame. After all, he is a central part of the most popular clique in her high school. Will Chris pull Courtney away from her faith or will Courtney inspire him to overcome his addiction?
About Joanna Dakoyannis
Joanna Dakoyannis is a junior at Dover-Sherborn High School. She enjoys creative writing, traveling, going to the gym, running track for her high school team and loves cheering on the team at school sporting events. She plans to be a science major in college and hopes to eventually attend dental school.
Other Articles by Joanna:
Books by Stacy A. Padula 
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