The Summer of Jordi Perez

Seventeen-year-old Abby Ives lands her dream internship at a boutique in Los Angeles, working alongside fellow intern Jordi Perez. As a plus-size fashion blogger, Abby hopes this opportunity will launch her career in the fashion industry. While focusing on her internship, Abby develops an unexpected connection with Jordi, who captures everything through her camera lens. At the same time, Abby embarks on a project with Jax, the son of a local burger restaurant owner, to review LA's best burgers. Abby navigates her first romance while managing complex relationships with her health-obsessed mother, her best friend Maliah, and her own self-image. Her summer becomes filled with fashion, photography, food, and the uncertainties of new love. The novel explores themes of body positivity, self-acceptance, and the challenge of pursuing happiness while meeting others' expectations. Through Abby's experiences, the story examines how identity and relationships evolve during pivotal moments of adolescence.

Readers describe this as a light, sweet YA romance focused on a plus-size lesbian main character. Many note it stands out for featuring an LGBTQ+ protagonist without making her sexuality the main source of conflict. Readers appreciated: - Authentic teen voice and dialogue - Body-positive messaging without making weight a major issue - Fashion and food truck elements - Friendship dynamics alongside the romance Common criticisms: - Plot feels predictable and lacking depth - Some side characters remain underdeveloped - Romance moves too quickly - Conflicts resolve too easily Ratings: Goodreads: 3.82/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (115+ ratings) "A refreshing change to see a fat character whose story isn't about weight loss," noted one Goodreads reviewer. Another commented: "Character development needed more attention - everyone except Abby feels one-dimensional."

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli This coming-of-age romance follows a gay teen navigating first love while working at a local shop and dealing with the pressures of coming out to his community.

Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan A bisexual teenager spends her summer working at an amusement park in a hot dog costume while pursuing romance with her female co-worker.

Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen A seventeen-year-old lesbian discovers herself through new friendships and romance after stepping out of her comfort zone during one transformative summer.

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson A queer Black teenager runs for prom queen to win a scholarship while developing feelings for her competition.

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales An openly bisexual student runs an anonymous relationship advice service from her school locker while struggling with her own romantic feelings for another girl.

🌈 Jordi Perez's signature pink hair in the book was partly inspired by author Amy Spalding's own experience with having pink hair. 🛍️ The novel's main character, Abby, runs a plus-size fashion blog called "Vintage on the Vanguard," reflecting a growing movement of body-positive fashion influencers. 🍔 The burger-reviewing subplot was based on Spalding's real-life fascination with Los Angeles food culture and her experiences trying different restaurants around the city. 📚 The book won the 2019 Lambda Literary Award for Children's/Young Adult Literature, celebrating LGBTQ+ themes in literature. 👗 The fashion boutique where Abby interns, Lemonberry, was inspired by several independent boutiques in Los Angeles' Silverlake neighborhood, where much of the story takes place.