FIRST DATE

Five very different high school juniors team up to get a date to the prom in this series opener slanted toward the Christian audience but accessible to all.

Devon has just joined longtime best friend Emma at her mostly Christian private high school. The Northwood Academy faculty isn’t sure that students should date at all, although the school does not expressly forbid it. Aggressive Devon, used to a far more raucous public school and a bit boy crazy, enlists her new friends in a secret effort they name the Dating Games club. Once it’s launched, things begin to percolate. Cassidy follows her Christian faith and tries not to judge Devon, whom she initially dislikes. Meanwhile, Emma gets a makeover, and Abby deals with her too-strict father, while beautiful Bryn uses her charms to shake things up. Several characters wonder whether dating might be dangerous, and in fact, a cautionary plot twist indicates that it can be. The narrative continually refers to Christian ideals, churchgoing, prayer and Christian counseling. Not all characters are religious, but all love and respect their parents and sincerely try to form real friendships even when jealousy strikes. It’s all completely innocent and will be a welcome book for those uncomfortable with more frank fiction for teens.

Perfect for young Christian readers and fine for others too.