RED GIRL, BLUE BOY

The daughter of the male Republican candidate for president of the United States and the son of the female Democratic candidate wind up in an unlikely romance.

Both 16, Katie and Drew seem complete opposites. She’s so consumed with political fervor that she’s never even had a friend her own age, much less a boyfriend, and sees herself as the best possible campaign manager for her father. Drew, on the other hand, can’t be bothered to dress in a suit for his mother’s nomination at the Democratic convention and wants nothing to do with his mom’s campaign. Nevertheless, the two have met before as small children, and Drew has always been attracted to Katie. A joint appearance on a TV morning show leads to romantic sparks. But when a campaign smear comes to light, one blames the other for leaking it. Can the two get back together, and how will the competing parents react? Baratz-Logsted keeps the proceedings light and humorous. Most of the fun arises from her characterization of Katie, who easily dominates the book despite the shared, alternating narration. She’s a complete political nerd and proud of it, while Drew seems merely a typical let-me-alone adolescent boy. Despite the premise, the book feels free of ideology, and readers do not have to have any interest in politics at all to enjoy it.

Breezy and fresh-feeling fun.