Her Good Side

Two Los Angeles teenagers agree to date each other as practice for the real deal in this endearing rom-com by Weatherspoon (the Cowboys of California series, for adults). Bethany Greene, who is Black, has just been turned down by her crush, and she’s confident that it’s because of her reputation as a crybaby with no dating experience. Meanwhile, Korean American Jacob Yeun’s girlfriend recently broke up with him because she “could never tell if he actually liked me or if he was just being polite.” While easing their hurts surrounding their mutual dating troubles, Jacob suggests that he and Bethany secretly date each other until they each grow more comfortable in their own skin (“Fake it ’til you make it, right?” Jacob says). The plan is to go out until they can find real partners for the upcoming dance, but as the two grow closer, separating pretend from reality becomes harder to do. Misunderstandings introduced via text conversations add drama to Jacob and Bethany’s vibrant, rapidly paced alternating narrations, while sincerely rendered character dynamics provide a well-rounded vehicle through which to explore themes surrounding stigma, sexual identity, and healthy relationships. Ages 14–up. (May)