In Playing Cupid by Jenny Meyerhoff, Clara Martinez has just moved schools.  She has also gone from being a loner to being part of the popular crowd.  Unfortunately, her grades are sinking, meaning her dad threatens to send her to her mom’s house which would mean changing schools again. But she may have some hope because the Austin Business Challenge is coming up, which is a challenge to create a business for 7th graders. She has the brilliant idea to do a matchmaking business.  But when she gets started, someone starts to sabotage her business. Even worse, she is getting love letters in her locker, even though she doesn’t care whatsoever about love for herself. Clara gives in to peer pressure and decides she likes a guy but he is the wrong guy and she realizes that being in the popular group isn’t everything and friendships are important.  Can she stay in the popular group, keep her business, fix her grades and deal with the love letters? You’ll have to read to find out!

Out of 100, I would probably rate this book pretty high at an 89. It kept me on my toes and wanting more.  It is well-written and is part of the Wish series. The author is a talented writer and she has written more books for young readers. The genre is realistic fiction.

I would recommend this book to grades 5-8. It probably appeals more to girls.

4/5 stars

Review written by Elizabeth in grade 7