Better Than the Movies
Book • 2021
by Lynn Painter
Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, this “sweet and funny” (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute yet obnoxious neighbor as they scheme to get her noticed by her untouchable crush.
Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet.
The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in.
But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like.
Better Than the Movies
Book • 2021
by Lynn Painter
Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, this “sweet and funny” (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute yet obnoxious neighbor as they scheme to get her noticed by her untouchable crush.
Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet.
The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in.
But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like.
Bara says...
Ages 12+, but every child is different
The content focuses on high school romantic tropes and social dynamics typical of young adult fiction. It is appropriate for pre-teens and teenagers navigating early dating, self-discovery, and peer friendships.
Content Safety Breakdown
Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content
Sex & Nudity
The story centers on high school romantic interests, including lingering crushes, flirting, and kissing scenes common in the teen rom-com genre. There is no explicit sexual content, but the focus is on prom dates and romantic developments.
Violence & Gore
The story mentions harmless childhood pranks, such as playing with frogs or moving lawn ornaments. There is no physical violence or aggressive combat depicted in the narrative.
Profanity
The dialogue is typical of high school environments, featuring mild exclamations like "cr*p" and "h*ll" used in casual conversation. These words appear infrequently to capture a realistic teen voice.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
There are occasional, brief references to social settings involving older teens, but substance use is not a focal point of the plot. Any mentions are incidental to the school environment.
Frightening Scenes
The tone is lighthearted and comedic throughout, with no scary, violent, or psychologically intense elements. It is designed to be a feel-good, humorous story.
Key Insights
Quick summary and important considerations
A story about learning that real-life relationships are often better than the fairy-tale romances you dream about.
Detailed Analysis
In-depth insights for parents and educators
What Parents Need to Know
The story centers on typical teenage behaviors like romantic plotting and minor mischief, such as childhood pranks. It emphasizes the transition from middle school immaturity to high school interpersonal development.
What Kids Can Learn
Healthy ways to navigate peer relationships, the benefits of vulnerability, and the necessity of re-evaluating long-held assumptions.
Key Topics Discussed
Why Parents Might Like It
It offers a relatable and nostalgic look at the complexities of first crushes and the shift from idealized tropes to genuine, grounded connections.
Positives & Learning
What makes this content valuable for children
Positive Messages
Encourages personal growth through self-reflection and the importance of looking beyond superficial 'crushes' to appreciate authentic, evolving connections.
Positive Role Models
Characters demonstrate the capacity to move past childhood rivalries and acknowledge their vulnerabilities, fostering meaningful emotional maturity.
Diverse Representations
No diverse representation indicated in available information.
Educational Value
Provides social-emotional learning opportunities regarding the complexities of attraction, communication, and redefining personal expectations.
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