School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up-Artistic Rachel doesn't anticipate what will happen when, as a joke, she posts a picture of dreamy, popular Kyle in his Burger Barn uniform on her friend Mo's Flit (think-Twitter) feed. She figures no one will see it, since neither she nor Mo has many followers. However, the picture, and accompanying hashtag #idlikefrieswithTHAT, work its way quickly through their school's social circles to the outside world. Almost instantly, Kyle gains hundreds of thousands of followers. Rachel, however, is ridiculed and called pathetic, ugly, and fat. As an Internet celebrity, Kyle is invited on a television talk show, where he asks Rachel to the homecoming dance. With all this attention, could a genuine relationship really work? While some of the details are a little far-fetched, this enjoyable romance is laced with cringe-inducing realism. Readers will likely overlook any unbelievable elements and root for the couple, right up to the fairy-tale ending. Both Rachel and Kyle are fully developed characters, though most everyone around them seems more like a caricature, particularly Kyle's ex. VERDICT Those whose patrons can't get enough romance based in the here and now will find this a fun addition.-Kelly Jo Lasher, Middle Township High School, Cape May Court House, NJ © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Inspired by the "Alex from Target" phenomenon, debut author Gagnon dives into the perils of social media and the allure of fame after a teen's online post goes viral. High school junior Rachel, a geeky outsider who hopes to become a playwright, has a crush on senior lacrosse star Kyle. After Rachel snaps a photo of Kyle looking adorable in his Burger Barn uniform and posts it on the social network Flit, Kyle is suddenly a star with in-person groupies, hordes of online devotees, and media coverage. Rachel, however, is subjected to ugly comments about her looks and weight from girls near and far, until a producer suggests that Kyle pull Rachel into his orbit by asking her to homecoming on television. Through Kyle and Rachel's alternating points of view, Gagnon explores online trolling, instant celebrity, and social media frenzies with sensitivity and humor. Although the story follows a fairly predictable trajectory, it has plenty to say about how the targets of Internet celebrity are treated, and how those experiences can differ depending on one's gender. Ages 13-up. Agent: Heather Alexander, Pippin Properties. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
It was just a quick snap, a quippy caption, an inside joke on social media between artsy Rachel and her friend Mo; but within minutes the photo of cute, athletic Kyle in his Burger Barn uniform has turned into an Internet sensation of epic proportions, sweeping Kyle to insta-celebrity and Rachel into an unwanted spotlight. Kyle and Rachel, who narrate alternating chapters in distinct voices, are plunged into a media-manufactured romance, and everyone is trying to work the angles: How could this help get them scholarships? Make money for TV personalities? Get their work noticed? But as Kyle and Rachel get to know each other better, true feelings begin to develop with very real in-person ramifications. This is a charming, upbeat, well-paced romp, with plenty of humor that's tempered with realistic emotions. Teen side characters are well drawn, and realistic social situations and their consequences keep the plot down to earth when it could have easily strayed too far into silliness.--Booth, Heather Copyright 2017 Booklist
