Description: Mattie, a star student and passionate reader, is delighted when her English teacher announces the eighth grade will be staging Romeo and Juliet. And she is even more excited when, after a series of events, she finds herself playing Romeo, opposite Gemma Braithwaite’s Juliet. Gemma, the new girl at school, is brilliant, pretty, outgoing—and, if all that wasn’t enough: British.
  As the cast prepares for opening night, Mattie finds herself growing increasingly attracted to Gemma and confused, since, just days before, she had found herself crushing on a boy named Elijah. Is it possible to have a crush on both boys AND girls? If that wasn’t enough to deal with, things backstage at the production are starting to rival any Shakespearean drama! In this sweet and funny look at the complicated nature of middle school romance, Mattie learns how to be the lead player in her own life.

Review: Star-Crossed is a sweet coming-out story and a promising, chaste romance for middle grade readers that intertwines with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Mattie annoys her friends because she is constantly thinking and unsure of her actions. She finds herself having a crush on Elijah who shares her passion for reading, but that slowly disappears after a disastrous Halloween party. Soon she is inexplicably drawn to Gemma, a new student who seems perfect in every way. As the eighth grade play, Rome and Juliet, goes underway Mattie learns more about herself and Gemma. Mattie discovers that she really like her. Is it possible to like both boys and girls?
  The incorporation of Romeo and Juliet works really well in the book. Each chapter begins with a snippet from the play and it was really fun trying to see how that line fits into the context of our story. I also appreciated how the students tried to understand what Shakespeare meant and discuss some of the issues of the play (i.e. fickleness of love, impulsive behavior, secrets, etc). Those same issues were also mirrored in Mattie's life too. At times there was a bit too much Shakespeare with large chunks of the dialogue put into the story, which might deter some young readers from picking up this book. Though ultimately the Shakespeare play is a tragedy, Star-Crossed is far from one. Mattie has a supportive family, caring friends, a teacher who understands her, and a diverse cast of classmates that may be more tolerant of her sexuality. Though romance doesn't actually bloom between Mattie and Gemma, it is possible in the book's open ending. 

Rating: 4 stars


Words of Caution: There is a scene where a homophobic slur is used by a student but the teacher quickly addresses it. Mattie's best friend likes to use Shakespearean insults instead of foul language. Recommended for Grades 4 and up.

If you like this book try: George by Alex Gino, Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle