GRADCHANTED

A teen’s Disneyland graduation celebration leads to reliving the same experiences until she discovers how to change the path she’s on.

Cass Issac, a recent graduate of Harbor Cove High, has attended 16 schools, making her a pro at goodbyes. Three weeks before graduation, her dads (who run a house-flipping business) announced that they’ll be moving to Oregon, making Disney Grad Nite her last in California. Cass has learned it’s best to leave when things are “at their peak,” so she doesn’t tell her best friend, Bryony Tsai, the news, choosing instead to focus on making the party an epic final memory. But once they’re inside Disney’s California Adventure, nothing goes the way Cass planned. Despite a meet-cute and instant connection with cute British bass player Freddie Sharma from boy band Eton Mess, Cass tries to flee after coming face-to-face with angry friends she’s ghosted. Cass’ wish to have “a chance to do things over and make things right” thrusts her into a time loop. The Disney backdrop is as important as the characters, with each iteration of the time loop feeling like an ode to a restaurant, ride, or character. Despite some entertaining moments and the meaningful central message of appreciating the time we have and the people in our lives, Cass’ slow growth makes the reading experience monotonous, impeding readers’ connection with the characters. Cass presents white, and the supporting cast contains ethnic diversity.

A plodding tale with some enjoyable highlights.