Love Radio

Starred review from April 11, 2022
Both wholly modern and interwoven with nostalgic cultural references, debut author LaDelle’s romance blends comedic banter and poignant connection in a story about two Black teens giving love a chance. Focused on her dreams of becoming “the next Maya or Audre,” Danielle Ford avoids both dating and thinking about an incident of sexual assault that has her self-isolating from everyone she loves. Then she engages with classmate Prince—also known as Detroit radio relationship expert DJ LoveJones—who wagers that he can get her to fall in love with him in three dates. Dreaming of a future making radio “honest and relatable,” charming, confident Prince also cares for his little brother and his mother, who has advanced multiple sclerosis, and questions his dreams of moving to New York City. With the clock running down to graduation, and on their dates, Dani and Prince find that their romance may be just the thing they need to begin facing their problems head-on. The teens’ connection acts as the story’s warming center, as LaDelle showcases in their alternating voices the importance of support systems and asking for help, foregrounding young Black love in themes of community, creative passion, and deep appreciation of Black culture. Ages 12–up. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary & Media.

December 9, 2022

Gr 9 Up-Danielle Ford knows who she is and what she wants-to move to New York City and become the next great Black woman writer, alongside Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison. But ever since someone attempted to sexually assault her, she has been unable to write-not even her all-important essay for NYU. Prince Jones has already found success, as a beloved DJ who dispenses relationship advice on one of Detroit's most popular radio stations. Although he dreams of reaching a wider audience, his family responsibilities have him planning to stick close to home instead. A chance encounter at the library gives Prince the opportunity to talk to his middle school crush, Dani, and after an awkward beginning, Prince issues a bold challenge: he can get Dani to fall in love with him in three dates. Dani, normally love-averse, surprisingly agrees, and as they get to know each other through a series of thoughtfully elaborate dates, she may even be falling for Prince. But the complications in their lives are still present, and sometimes, love may not conquer all. Although Prince and Dani's romance is at the forefront of this story, the importance of all types of love is highlighted through the main characters' strong relationships with friends and family. Chapters alternate between Prince and Dani's voices, allowing readers to experience the romance from both perspectives, but also to get to know the main characters' friends and family in greater detail. This YA debut is a romance, but it is also a love letter to Black cultural history. VERDICT A great choice for readers who enjoy the work of Ren�e Watson, Nicola Yoon, and Brandy Colbert.-Alison Glass

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 15, 2022
A story of Black love in its many beautiful forms. Danielle Ford is in her senior year of high school in Detroit. She dreams of becoming an author like the Black women writers she looks up to and has spent years honing her skills. However, since experiencing a traumatic assault last year--something she has kept secret from her family and closest friends--Dani has been unable to write or socialize like before. Her sole refuge lies in writing letters to her idols--Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, bell hooks--sharing her thoughts and feelings. Meanwhile, her classmate Prince Jones has had a crush on her since middle school. He works as a radio DJ, giving out advice on love, but ironically Prince's own life is lacking in the romance department. Most of his time is spent taking care of his younger brother and disabled mother. However, when an opportunity arises for him to date the girl of his dreams, Prince seizes it. Cynical Dani is surprised to find herself accepting Prince's challenge to get her to fall in love with him in only three dates. LaDelle does a fantastic job of bringing the complex, dynamic personalities and relationships of her characters to life while highlighting romantic, familial, and platonic love as well as self-love. Strong pacing allows the storylines to flow organically. Readers will find themselves hooked from the first page to the last. A sweet, charming story with both heartwarming and heart-rending moments. (Romance. 14-18)

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