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The Summer of Jordi Perez (And the Best Burger in Los Angeles) Paperback – January 21, 2020
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But really, nothing this summer is going as planned. She also unwittingly becomes friends with Jax, a lacrosseplaying bro-type who wants her help finding the best burger in Los Angeles, and she’s struggling to prove to her mother—the city’s celebrity health nut—that she’s perfectly content with who she is.
Just as Abby starts to feel like she’s no longer the sidekick in her own life, Jordi’s photography surprisingly puts her in the spotlight. Instead of feeling like she’s landed a starring role, Abby feels betrayed. Can Abby find a way to reconcile her positive yet private sense of self with the image others have of her?
- Reading age12 - 18 years
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade level6 - 12
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.8 x 8.25 inches
- PublisherSky Pony
- Publication dateJanuary 21, 2020
- ISBN-10151075184X
- ISBN-13978-1510751842
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book of 2018
Boston Globe Best Children’s Book of 2018
Pop Sugar Best Books of 2018
Cosmopolitan Best YA Books of 2018
Autostraddle Best LGBTQ Books of 2018
Buzzfeed Best Queer YA Books of 2018
Paste Magazine Best YA Books of 2018
TAYSHAS Reading List
ALA Rainbow List
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, Nominee
The Amelia Bloomer List, Nominee
Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers, Nomination
"Yes, this book is as fantastic as it sounds." —PopSugar
"The summer's hottest queer teen romance." —Entertainment Weekly
"This book is the queer, fat girl rom-com of my dreams! Plus-size fashion, a fat girl falling in love, nuanced friendships, and cheeseburgers! Did I mention cheeseburgers?" —Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin'
"This book is funny, empowering, and romantic, without downplaying the role of platonic friendships. And to the fat girls who are sidelined in almost every romantic comedy? It’s a love letter." —Becky Albertalli, author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
"The Summer of Jordi Perez is a confectionary delight. From lovely romantic date nights to secret makeout sessions to utterly relatable friend drama, this is the happy queer-girl romance I've been longing for since I knew enough to long for happy queer-girl romance." —Robin Talley, New York Times bestselling author of Lies We Tell Ourselves
"You'll want to go shopping with Abby. You'll obsessively need to sample every cheeseburger in town. You might even plan a foodie-fashion-fun times vacation in L.A. But most importantly, you'll fall in love with The Summer of Jordi Perez. Just like I did." —Gretchen McNeil, author of Ten and I'm Not Your Manic Pixie Dream Girl
"Amy Spalding is the funniest YA contemporary writer out there." —Hey YA Book Riot Podcast
[*] “Funny, full of heart, and refreshingly free of a weight-loss arc.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Abby’s journey is a vehicle for highlighting the dangers of negative self-perception in any relationship or endeavor. . . Finally able to appreciate her talents, she discovers support and care rather than criticism. Shopping, humor, and summer romance add to the appeal of the story.” —VOYA
“Sweet and delightful.” —School Library Journal
"A deceptively fun and breezy novel that gracefully delineates the difference between dreaming about a relationship and actually having one. . . . The story moves along effortlessly. This is a book you don’t want to miss a word of. . . . A treat with a heroine who’s not easily forgotten." —Foreword Reviews
"It’s about the painful fizzy joy of a new crush, about the solidity and support we get from platonic friendships, about feeling lost when family dynamics change." —Leila Roy, feature for Kirkus Reviews
"Abby will connect with readers who appreciate the realistic and natural love story between the two girls, and with anyone who’s ever struggled to feel comfortable in his or her own skin." —Booklist
"Full of fast-paced writing and just the right amount of romance, this is a happy read that will have you rooting for Abby as she comes to terms with what she wants and how best to get it. Plus, the wonderful queer fat girl rep will leave you with a big smile on your face and an urge to read more just like it." —The Mary Sue
"The plot is as sweet as bubblegum, and probably the lightest, most enjoyable read you’ll have all summer. Don’t let the bright colors and stellar shopping fool you, this book carries themes like body positivity, following your dreams, and maintaining friendships too." —After Ellen.com
"Abby’s rambling voice is honest, charming, and absorbing. In a story about staying true to one’s passions, Spalding (The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions)) presents an interesting look at first love, social media, and private and public personas." —Publisher's Weekly
"Amy Spalding’s The Summer of Jordi Perez bursts with love: for clothes, for burgers (Abby goes on a 'best burger' hunt with a new jock friend) and for Abby’s female colleague, Jordi. Abby loves her body too and is comfortable describing herself as fat, with the essential qualification, 'Being fat isn’t bad. Acting like fat’s an insult is, though.'" —Globe and Mail
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Sky Pony; Reprint edition (January 21, 2020)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 151075184X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1510751842
- Reading age : 12 - 18 years
- Grade level : 6 - 12
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,621,958 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Amy Spalding is the author of several novels, including the bestselling For Her Consideration, We Used to Be Friends and The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles), which was named a best book of 2018 by NPR, the Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, and more. She is a recipient of the 2023 Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award for the authentic, funny, and diverse representation of the LGBTQ+ community in her books.
Amy grew up in St. Louis and now lives in Los Angeles. She has a B.A. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from Webster University and an M.A. in Media Studies from The New School. Amy studied longform improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book's romance unique and sweet. They describe it as a great, refreshing read with a terrific plot and positive modeling throughout. The characters are described as charming, endearing, and inspirational. The content is heartfelt and realistic, with strong senses of self-identity and real struggles. Readers appreciate the rich, diverse characters with strong passions and self-discovery. They also find the humor funny and relatable.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the romance in the book unique and lighthearted. They appreciate the sweet girl-to-girl relationship and first love. The characters are portrayed as naive when it comes to love, which is endearing. Readers also appreciate the realistic feelings and passionate characters.
"...The story of her first love was sweet and her friendship with Jax was my favorite. They made a great team and I want to tag along!..." Read more
"...The central romance is swoony but complicated, as anyone who's read Amy's other books will expect, but Abby's relationships with her parents and her..." Read more
"...I have been searching high and low for a unique love story. One that didn’t make me roll my eyes with cliches and predictably...." Read more
"...of Jordi Perez (And the Best Burger in Los Angeles) is the perfect summer romance. You’ll root for Abby and Jordi...." Read more
Customers find the book enjoyable and refreshing. They describe it as a fun, well-written YA novel with positive modeling throughout. Many find it a quick read with a pleasant personality.
"The Summer of Jordi Perez is the most delightful, bright, and refreshing book I've read in quite awhile...." Read more
"...They made a great team and I want to tag along! Pacing was okay and even though I thought Abby was a bit overdramatic, it fit...." Read more
"I got this book on a whim, and it was super sweet. It’s not a hard or challenging read. However I wanted just a little more substance...." Read more
"...It's a very quick read, and I think a lovely addition to the world of fat rep in YA fiction." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's charm. They find it endearing, sweet, and fashion-forward.
"...With non of the sinner/saint tropes. Overall it was a sweet and interesting romance novel. I look forward to more from this author." Read more
"I got this book on a whim, and it was super sweet. It’s not a hard or challenging read. However I wanted just a little more substance...." Read more
"...incredibly naive when it comes to love which I personally found pretty endearing because at 17, I was a damn idiot...." Read more
"It was a cute, fun read. I couldn't put it down...." Read more
Customers find the book's content heartfelt and inspiring. They appreciate the realistic portrayal of feelings, struggles, and dreams. The book helps readers learn to love themselves and build strong friendships. It is described as satisfying and uplifting.
"...to read about 2 teenage characters with such focused passions, strong senses of self, and openly being in a queer relationship...." Read more
"...It had romance, drama, family issues, and talked about accepting yourself...." Read more
"...Abby is a great lead, and her relationships and dreams and struggles all feel very real...." Read more
"...I liked how all the time interactions seemed real, down to her casually drinking a beer. With non of the sinner/saint tropes...." Read more
Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find it lovely to read about two teenage characters with focused passions and strong senses of self. The plus-sized protagonist is praised as a great addition to the YA novel.
"...It's lovely to read about 2 teenage characters with such focused passions, strong senses of self, and openly being in a queer relationship...." Read more
"...Here I have found it. Abby is a cute, engaging protagonist. I love that she is plus sized and has cotton candy pink hair...." Read more
"...The perfect light summer read with a great cast of characters...." Read more
"...I love how the characters showed depth in their relationships through learning to better communicate - something we don't see often enough in YA!" Read more
Customers find the book humorous and engaging. They appreciate the witty and relatable protagonist, Abby.
"...Abby was funny and likeable, I also think a lot of girls can relate to her...." Read more
"...You’ll root for Abby and Jordi. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll want to eat burgers." Read more
"...As said, I loved Abby. She's witty and passionate and not presented in a way that makes her annoying and has you wondering why people like her- the..." Read more
"...Super funny, great cast of supporting characters, and a really lovely arc for the main character...." Read more
Customers enjoy the burger content. They say it's an awesome sauce on a delicious burger. The book is described as a foodie romance with funny moments and great friendships.
"...That said, none of the juicy burgers, crispy fries, fluffy buns, or hilarious conversations had any influence on this review...." Read more
"...A sweet queer YA romance about making friends, eating burgers and going after your dreams...." Read more
"...This story is also about finding a great burger." Read more
"...for this whimsical story of first love, friendship, family and the best burger!" Read more
Customers like the friendships in the book. They mention the unexpected friendship with the lacrosse bro, and the supportive group of friends who always have each other's backs.
"...Her group of friends are incredibly supportive of each other and always have each other's backs and no catty BS happened which always makes me very..." Read more
"The Summer of Jordi Perez is a cute mix of friendship, first love, communication, and diverse, rich characters wrapped up in a summer of fashion,..." Read more
"...It's also about discovering how to love yourself and about friendships old and new. This story is also about finding a great burger." Read more
"...I really loved the tour of L.A., the unexpected friendship with the lacrosse bro, and the body positivity. Just a really fun read." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2018The Summer of Jordi Perez is the most delightful, bright, and refreshing book I've read in quite awhile. I'm a big fan of Amy Spalding's books, and this has immediately become my favorite (which says a lot since I adore The Reece Malcolm List). It's lovely to read about 2 teenage characters with such focused passions, strong senses of self, and openly being in a queer relationship. Abby and Jordi have such natural chemistry, and I couldn't help but fall in love with them both. The characterization and visuals within Abby's colorful life are deft and masterful. As someone who also worries about taking up too much room, I especially relate to Abby and absolutely love that she has no need to change her appearance or hide herself in dark billowing clothing. She is just so luminous and adorably awkward. Seeing her confidence with her internship, social media skills, and eventually kissing, is especially inspirational. Jordi is the yin to Abby's yang in both style and personality, and they bring out each other's best qualities. I liked Abby's new bro bestie Jax, and I appreciated the multiple layers with her longterm bestie Maliah. And of course, now I totally want a burger (but not cooked by Abby's mom, thanks). I had to pace myself while reading since I didn't want to say goodbye to Abby, Jordi, and their fabulous world. Definitely a repeat read!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2019This was a fun read. It had romance, drama, family issues, and talked about accepting yourself. Abby was funny and likeable, I also think a lot of girls can relate to her. She acts likes she's comfortable with herself, but sometimes she worries about what people think and it holds her back. The story of her first love was sweet and her friendship with Jax was my favorite. They made a great team and I want to tag along! Pacing was okay and even though I thought Abby was a bit overdramatic, it fit. Good book, especially of you want something light.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2018I just loved this one. Abby is a great lead, and her relationships and dreams and struggles all feel very real. The central romance is swoony but complicated, as anyone who's read Amy's other books will expect, but Abby's relationships with her parents and her friends are also vitally important to the book. (I always like that. Romance plots in which the characters don't have much else to worry about just don't seem realistic enough for me.) And Abby's career ambitions are also paramount here; she's a plus size fashion blogger and she's very serious about her aspirations in the industry. I'm not particularly into fashion but I loved the peek into that world and Abby's focus on her goals.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2018Three cheers for this book! I have been searching high and low for a unique love story. One that didn’t make me roll my eyes with cliches and predictably. Here I have found it.
Abby is a cute, engaging protagonist. I love that she is plus sized and has cotton candy pink hair. I love how they have her eat a mixture of healthy and unhealthy foods. How she isn’t always obsessing over her dress size. How she is allowed to be cute and fashionable, and plus sized all at the same time.
In any other book the ending would be clear. Abby would fall for Jax. Who loved her because she is a cool girl who can eat burgers. Yet this isn’t your cookie cutter romance. Instead Abby is gay. And she falls in love with her to cool for school co-worker Jordan.
I really enjoyed how she and her girlfriend were already out and proud. So there was none of the typical coming out awkwardness. I liked how all the time interactions seemed real, down to her casually drinking a beer. With non of the sinner/saint tropes.
Overall it was a sweet and interesting romance novel. I look forward to more from this author.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2019I got this book on a whim, and it was super sweet. It’s not a hard or challenging read. However I wanted just a little more substance. But when the protagonist is a 17-year-old, you can’t expect too much. Her inner monologue got a little annoying, but it didn’t take too much away from the main storyline.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2018*I received a DRC from edelweiss and the publisher. All opinions are my own.*
I was super excited to read a queer love story about a fat girl who is totally confident as a fat girl. And for the most part, that's what I got.
Abby is incredibly naive when it comes to love which I personally found pretty endearing because at 17, I was a damn idiot. At 34, I'm still a damn idiot if i'm being completely honest. Her group of friends are incredibly supportive of each other and always have each other's backs and no catty BS happened which always makes me very happy with female friendships.
The romance was not necessarily insta-love, but it was definitely insta-crush, for no apparent reason, at least on the page. But it was still like, REALLY adorable. So I got over it.
I think the burger plot line was kind of unnecessary, though I did really like Jax as a character, I just don't understand what that story-line added to the story.
The ending was incredibly rushed, and not totally satisfying.
All in all, though I do have my issues with this book, it was so wonderful to have a queer love story featuring a fat protagonist. There weren't incessant fat jokes made at her expense, which is always lovely. It's a very quick read, and I think a lovely addition to the world of fat rep in YA fiction.
Top reviews from other countries
- B. U.Reviewed in Germany on April 28, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastically moving read
Jordy's and Abby's love story moved me, made me laugh and showed me an entirely new (and at the same time really relatable) perspective on dating.
When I finished binge-reading the story, I went to do my laundry and started weeping, simultaneously due to being moved and from already missing those remarkably relatable protagonists.
Not to male-gaze this review up: I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about romance (LGBTQUI+ and other), friendship and really likes accidentally (re-)invigorating their interest in fashion, regardless of gender and sexuality (me being a poc straight male, not that matters anyway).
Also immediately bought a physical copy for gifting or keepsies for re-reading. Had to have it on my shelf!
- jbistheinitialReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars An adorably perfect queer YA romance
I loved this beyond all reason, it's the most delightful summer romance and the first book since Simon Versus The Homosapien Agenda to make me want to go back to the start the moment I finished it. Fun and sweet but never fluffy and silly. There's such great fat rep, Latinx rep, bi and lesbian rep, plus Jax is just about the funniest, most delightful sidekick I've ever encountered; he's a great subversion of the jock bro trope. Read it read it read it!
- ayelteeReviewed in Australia on December 20, 2020
4.0 out of 5 stars Good, fun read
A light bit of fiction but an important topic. It was fun and gripping and I recommend it fo teens and young adults and anyone wanting a light, fun read.
- Bunny BReviewed in Germany on September 1, 2019
3.0 out of 5 stars A light read for hot summers
Cute little summer romance
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 7, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story!
I absolutely adored this book - I breezed through it in two days and had a fantastic time doing so. Huge bonus points for Jax and the fact that he never once got creepy. Now where can I get my own Jordie?