We Can Work it Out

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 27, 2016

Review

In this sequel to The Lonely Hearts Club, seventeen-year old Penny Lane is the founder of club, an all-girl group who support one another through high school's ups and downs, especially where boys are concerned. They choose to date only really nice guys who treat them well and not judge themselves by how boys judge and treat them. This is such a positive message for female young adult readers. Penny Lane, however, is having trouble juggling her duties as the head of the busy club which is getting national recognition and followers, and her new relationship with a great boy named Ryan. Her parents' obsession with all things Beatles is hilarious. They named their three girls Penny Lane, Rita, and Lucy and insist that Beatles songs be played in their home to the exclusion of any other music. High school problems with cliques, boys, homework, and family are handled in a very positive fashion and will inform young readers. Aside from a few one-dimensional characters. the topics are handled well.

Overall Book Score: good