The themes focus on high school social dynamics, romantic longing, and self-discovery. It is suitable for middle-schoolers and older who are navigating similar transitions in friendships and dating.
Better Than the Movies
Book (2021)
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.
What to expect
The narrative centers on high school prom culture and teenage dating dynamics. No graphic violence, substance abuse, or coarse language is indicated in available information.
The good stuff
The story provides a relatable look at the transition from childhood friendship to adolescent romance, framing emotional honesty as a vital life skill.
Better Than the Movies
Book (2021)
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.
What to expect
The narrative centers on high school prom culture and teenage dating dynamics. No graphic violence, substance abuse, or coarse language is indicated in available information.
The good stuff
The story provides a relatable look at the transition from childhood friendship to adolescent romance, framing emotional honesty as a vital life skill.
What to know before you start
Content details to help you decide what fits your child.
Sex & Nudity
The content follows standard young adult romance tropes, including mild romantic tension, crushes, and brief innocent kissing between teenagers.
Violence & Gore
There is no physical violence, though the book mentions childhood pranks involving frogs and lawn gnomes, which carry no actual harm.
Profanity
The language is clean for the genre, featuring very infrequent and mild uses of words like "h*ll" and "cr*p" used in casual teenage conversation.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
The story centers on high school students and does not focus on or glorify the use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products.
Frightening Scenes
The story is a lighthearted romantic comedy and does not contain any scary, high-tension, or disturbing sequences.
Key Insights
Quick summary and important considerations
This is a story about finding out that the people who make you the happiest might be the ones you least expected.
Detailed Analysis
In-depth insights for parents and educators
What Parents Need to Know
The narrative centers on high school prom culture and teenage dating dynamics. No graphic violence, substance abuse, or coarse language is indicated in available information.
What Kids Can Learn
Youth can learn to distinguish between the fantasy of a crush and the reality of a meaningful relationship.
Key Topics Discussed
Why Parents Might Like It
The story provides a relatable look at the transition from childhood friendship to adolescent romance, framing emotional honesty as a vital life skill.
Positives & Learning
What makes this content valuable for children
Positive Messages
Encourages prioritizing authentic connections over idealized projections and stresses the importance of re-evaluating personal expectations to foster emotional maturity.
Positive Role Models
Characters display realistic character flaws and emotional growth, shifting from superficial social schemes to genuine vulnerability and self-awareness.
Diverse Representations
No diverse representation indicated in available information.
Educational Value
Supports social-emotional development by exploring the complexity of human relationships, communication, and changing perspectives.
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