Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Henri "Halti" Haltiwanger walks dogs for his well-to-do neighbors to earn money to help out at home, operating as an individual but pretending to work for a fictitious company to make himself look more legitimate. When his headstrong, studious (but socially awkward) neighbor Corinne discovers his deception, she blackmails him into helping her with her social skills. The arrangement results in a rom-com story line that complicates Halti's college aspirations. Halti's Haitian immigrant parents want him to attend Columbia University, which he's worked hard to make a reality; he knows he is at a disadvantage compared to his wealthy classmates. A poor decision puts Halti's dreams on the line as he tries to navigate his final year in high school, college admissions, young love, and friendship. In his second novel, Morris Award winner Philippe (The Field Guide to the North American Teenager) creates a witty, humorous, realistic snapshot of the pressures young people face as they make their way into adulthood. Through memorable, multifaceted characters, Philippe explores themes of how race, class, and socioeconomic status can open doors for some, while closing them for others. Refreshing, romantic, and at times laugh-out-loud funny, the book is satisfying and, yes, charming. (c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A charismatic 17-year-old boy used to hustling his way through life meets his match. Henri Haltiwanger, who is Haitian American, has a face for everyone—the wealthy owners of the dogs he walks under his guise of a business, the rich kids he attends Fine Arts Technical Education Academy with on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and anyone else who can help further his dream of attending Columbia University. He takes pride in his charm until Corinne—classmate and neighbor—blackmails him into helping her fix her reputation for being excessively intense and lacking in social graces. This is the last thing he needs after the disappointment of a lackluster Columbia interview, but Henri agrees, knowing their friendship can be mutually beneficial. As the pair grows closer, he realizes that he could fall for Corinne. Under the enormous pressure that befalls many first-generation Americans, Henri will do whatever it takes for a dream he is beginning to question, leading him to take a risk that just may cost him everything. This humorous, first-person narrative with a conversational, almost conspiratorial, tone will captivate readers even with the almost-too-neat ending. The author breathes life into each character, giving those in Henri’s circle depth and investing readers in their stories. The novel demonstrates the pressure many face to be accepted into their dream colleges and thrive after high school. Corinne is black. A satisfyingly amusing read. (Romance. 14-18) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Henri "Halti" Haltiwanger walks dogs for his well-to-do neighbors to earn money to help out at home, operating as an individual but pretending to work for a fictitious company to make himself look more legitimate. When his headstrong, studious (but socially awkward) neighbor Corinne discovers his deception, she blackmails him into helping her with her social skills. The arrangement results in a rom-com story line that complicates Halti's college aspirations. Halti's Haitian immigrant parents want him to attend Columbia University, which he's worked hard to make a reality; he knows he is at a disadvantage compared to his wealthy classmates. A poor decision puts Halti's dreams on the line as he tries to navigate his final year in high school, college admissions, young love, and friendship. In his second novel, Morris Award winner Philippe (The Field Guide to the North American Teenager) creates a witty, humorous, realistic snapshot of the pressures young people face as they make their way into adulthood. Through memorable, multifaceted characters, Philippe explores themes of how race, class, and socioeconomic status can open doors for some, while closing them for others. Refreshing, romantic, and at times laugh-out-loud funny, the book is satisfying and, yes, charming. (c) Copyright 2023. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A charismatic 17-year-old boy used to hustling his way through life meets his match.Henri Haltiwanger, who is Haitian American, has a face for everyonethe wealthy owners of the dogs he walks under his guise of a business, the rich kids he attends Fine Arts Technical Education Academy with on Manhattans Upper West Side, and anyone else who can help further his dream of attending Columbia University. He takes pride in his charm until Corinneclassmate and neighborblackmails him into helping her fix her reputation for being excessively intense and lacking in social graces. This is the last thing he needs after the disappointment of a lackluster Columbia interview, but Henri agrees, knowing their friendship can be mutually beneficial. As the pair grows closer, he realizes that he could fall for Corinne. Under the enormous pressure that befalls many first-generation Americans, Henri will do whatever it takes for a dream he is beginning to question, leading him to take a risk that just may cost him everything. This humorous, first-person narrative with a conversational, almost conspiratorial, tone will captivate readers even with the almost-too-neat ending. The author breathes life into each character, giving those in Henris circle depth and investing readers in their stories. The novel demonstrates the pressure many face to be accepted into their dream colleges and thrive after high school. Corinne is black. A satisfyingly amusing read. (Romance. 14-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.