Love Radio

Love Radio
Ebony LaDelle
Simon & Schuster, 2022
320 Pages
Grades 8-Up
Romance

Alternating points of view tell the story of Danielle and Prince as they finish out their high school experiences in a creative arts magnet school in unban Detroit. Prince is the youngest DJ on air at a popular radio station. His show Love Radio helps people sort out love problems, all while spinning great tunes. His life is further complicated by a tricky ex-girl friend and family obligations stemming from his single mother's struggle with multiple sclerosis. Danielle is a budding writer with dream of moving to New York City. She has distanced herself from social activities since a "friend" put her in a dangerous situation, leaving her feeling violated and betrayed. Danielle is not ready for a relationship, but when Prince, who is harboring a long-time crush, challenges her to three dates to fall in love with him, she decides to go for it. Prince has three dates to convince the girl of his dreams that he's worth taking a chance on. Will he be able to break through to Dani and get her to share her heart? And how will he reach his music dreams without much hope of continuing his education?

Debut author, LaDelle dishes out a new teenage romance with some serious contemporary themes. Both of the young people are dealing with some real issues (Danielle with assault/Prince with supporting his family), yet are still teenagers and manage to forge a new relationship that improves each of their lives for the better. Through Dani's story we see the impact of assault and the associated feelings as she works through them. The reader will cheer as she re-establishes her healthy friendships and slowly learns to trust again. We also feel the relief right along with Prince as he shares a bit of his burden and begins to make a plan for his future. I like that although there are disappointing adults in the lives of these young people, there are also great ones, who help them to sort out their problems. Both teens have loving families who can be counted on. They also have a terrific supporting cast of friends with distinct personalities, who I can see having their own stories in the future. The reader is left with a sense of hope for both Dani and Prince. Will they stay together forever? It doesn't really matter. The relationship did what it was meant to do and they are now both better for it as they step into their next chapters.