Koertge, Ron. Margaux with an x.

KOERTGE, Ron. Margaux with an x. Candlewick Press. 176p. c2004. 0-7636-2401-2. $16.99. SA

Koertge, author of Stoner & Spaz (reviewed in KLIATT in May 2002) and other YA novels, presents another unlikely high school pair here: popular, beautiful Margaux, and skinny, idealistic Danny. Margaux, gorgeous and sad, in love with words, reminds me of some of Francesca Lia Block's heroines, and like them Margaux lives in L.A. Egged on by her friend Sara, she teases boys and tries to keep away from her shopaholic mother and gambler father, who don't seem to love her at all. Her father even let someone to whom he owed money take photos of her in her underwear when she was younger, and Margaux hates him for it. Danny, meanwhile, was beaten by his father, and now lives with his wry but loving aunt, who has multiple sclerosis. Margaux first meets Danny when he's on the run: he works for the Humane Society checking up on dog adoptions, and not everyone appreciates his check-ups. Margaux is intrigued by him and joins him in his work, and they become friends. Danny's kind heart draws Margaux to him, and in the end she leaves her parents' home and moves in with Danny and his aunt. This isn't a romance, in the end, but a tale of two young people struggling to put the past behind them and forge new paths for themselves. Margaux and Danny have a chaste but intriguing relationship, and their plights and clever banter will draw readers into this well-written novel.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.