Menon, Sandhya. 10 Things I Hate About Pinky. Simon Pulse, 2020. 978-1-534-41681-9. 354 p. $18.99. Grades 6-12. 

Pinky Kumar is a whirlwind force to be reckoned with, a unique individual in every sense of the word. She cares tremendously about those less fortunate than her (both human and animal) and strikes up causes that most wouldn’t ever think about (hello racoon hospital). Her unconventional and wild ways don’t do much to please her traditional mother, who is as corporate lawyer-ey as can be. Samir Jha is buttoned up tight. Dressed to the nines, Samir is as practical and planned as he is neat. Every minute of his life is carefully scheduled and orderly, just the way he needs it to be to survive. When an unexpected opportunity arises to spend the summer together fake-dating, the two come together for a fiery clash that doesn’t end how either expected.

THOUGHTS: Delightful as always, Sandhya Menon’s latest addition to the When Dimple Met Rishi universe lives up to all expectations.

Realistic Fiction          Samantha Helwig, Dover Area SD