You Say It First by Katie Cotugno
Published by Balzer + Bray on June 16, 2020
ISBN: 0062674129
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

At first glance, Meg’s life seems charmed.  She lives in a big house, goes to a fancy school, has plans to go to college with her best friend, and a part time job that she’s passionate about.  What the casual observer doesn’t see is the drinking her divorced mom does, her messy house, her utter lack of interest in her college plans.  The next state over reveals Colby, a recent high school grad who loads boxes for a living and whose dad has passed away.  When they end up talking on the phone by chance through Meg’s job, everything begins to change for both of them.  Is Meg too uptight and virtued for Colby?  Is Colby too lazy and apathetic for Meg?  They work through their issues on nightly phone calls and eventually the relationship turns romantic.  Will they work it out in the end?  Cotugno has provided us with another great contemporary teen romance.  An especially great read for teens into politics making a difference.  Best for ages 14+

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library