The Espressologist

Jane is coasting through her senior year, working as a barista with her best friend, Em. Her passion for coffee has transformed into what she calls "espressology," her study of various coffee drinks and the type of person who orders them ("Medium Iced Vanilla Latte: Smart, sweet, and gentle. Sometimes soft-spoken but not a doormat. Loyal and trustworthy. A good friend. Decent looks and body"). As Jane begins to successfully match up customers and friends, her boss decides to spin her talent into a holiday promotion. Anxious about being put in the spotlight, Jane is also trying to duck mean girl Melissa, impress her crush Will (a frat boy more interested in the free coffee Jane gives him than in Jane), and figure out why she is weirded out by Em dating Cam, who Jane isn't interested in yet can't stop thinking about. The story's multiple strands resolve in a satisfying if predictable manner. The amusing bits of espressology and Jane's quirky and sympathetic voice give this cheerful, breezy romance a unique touch. Ages 12%E2%80%94up. (Sept.)