The Unexpected Everything

Andie Walker’s plan to spend the summer at a young scholars’ program at Johns Hopkins is upended when her father, a U.S. congressman, becomes engulfed in scandal. Suddenly Dad is always around, trying to act like he’s involved in her life, and Andie’s only job option is dog-walking. On the plus side, staying in Connecticut means spending time with her three best friends. Then she meets and falls for Clark, a cute and slightly geeky boy who hires her to walk his dog, breaking her habit of short-term flings she likes to keep “light, fun, not too serious, and nothing more than kissing.” Matson (Since You’ve Been Gone) makes good use of elements common to many of her novels: new romance, friendship struggles, an easy-to-like protagonist with relatable insecurities, and memorably quirky details (an unfinished painting by Andie’s dead mother, a scavenger hunt, movie marathons with her father). Though Andie’s friend and boyfriend complications feel forced and are resolved without much ado, Matson’s fans will enjoy sinking into this immersive summer read. Ages 12–up. Agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Literary Management. (May)