Grapefruit Moon
by Shirley-Anne McMillan
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Pub Date Jun 11 2024 | Archive Date Apr 01 2024
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Description
How far would you go to fit in?
17-year-old Drew has just won a scholarship to Cooke's Academy, an elite high school in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He's the first in his neighbourhood to be accepted, and his family and community couldn't be prouder. Especially because going there gives Drew a shot at a valuable college scholarship. But the pressure at Cooke's Academy is intense, and Drew isn't sure he fits in.
When Adam, leader of the toxic Stewards club, a privileged group of students who control everything that goes on at the school, invites Drew to join, Drew realises that if he can just play by the rules for long enough, he will have a shot at the scholarship.
Wealthy, popular Charlotte seems to have everything going for her, but she struggles with the expectations heaped on her by her family and the school. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend Adam is terrorising her with a video of them having sex.
As the friendship between Drew and Charlotte grows, both begin to come into their own through a growing love of Spanish poetry, poetry slams, and drag. A school trip to Spain brings them closer together, and pushes them further than ever from who they used to be.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781915071422 |
| PRICE | $10.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 284 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Nicole A, Educator
Thank you Netgalley and Little Island Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Shirley-Anne McMillan's "Grapefruit Moon" is an engaging YA story that demonstrates the complexities of teenage life, bringing together raw emotion, gripping storytelling, and thought-provoking social commentary. Set against the backdrop of an exclusive Belfast school fraught with power struggles and privilege, McMillan's story delves deep into the lives of Charlotte and Drew, two vastly different individuals whose paths converge amidst the chaos of academic life.
Through McMillan's vivid prose, you are transported into the heart of a world where fitting in comes at a cost, and navigating social codes can be a treacherous endeavor. From the chilling realities of online stalking and bullying to the insidious influence of toxic masculinity, "Grapefruit Moon" confronts the harsh realities of teenage life, shining a light on issues that are often swept under the rug. I really appreciated the raw details that McMillan included in the story; the author never shied away from discussing the truth about teenage life, especially in the power-hungry academic life setting. McMillan’s writing made me feel extremely connected to the characters, especially Charlotte. While some of the topics in the book can become quite heavy and you may sometimes have to take a break while reading, McMillan is still able to infuse the story with heart, humor, and compassion, even in the darkest of moments. The characters and their pain/experiences felt so realistic. I’m sure many teen readers can relate to them, especially with the overall message of hope shown throughout the book. Through the characters' day-to-day struggles and triumphs, McMillan paints a vivid portrait of resilience, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is hope. I was rooting for Charlotte and Drew throughout the entire book, and I felt very satisfied with the ending.
Overall, "Grapefruit Moon" is a powerful exploration of the human experience, offering a timely commentary on the complexities of teenage life and the enduring power of resilience and truth. McMillan's masterful storytelling and insightful commentary make this novel a must-read for readers of all ages, especially teens who can better connect with the characters.
