Last Chance Dance by Lakita Wilson

Abstract

Reviewed by: Last Chance Dance by Lakita Wilson Aaren Tucker Wilson, Lakita Last Chance Dance. Viking, 2023 [336p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593525616 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593525630 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys Ad Gr. 8-12 Leila and her boyfriend have been the perfect couple all four years of high school, so Leila is blindsided when he breaks up with her only three weeks before graduation. Leila’s best friend convinces her to participate in the senior class tradition of Last Chance Dance, which may be just what Leila needs to pull herself out of her misery. Seniors choose their top three crushes and if their crush also picked them, it’s time to go on a date. Lucky Leila matched with all three of her crushes: Instagram model Kai, social justice crusader Mason, and bookworm Eva. Then, there’s the fourth wild card option, class clown Tre’, whom Leila swears she will never, ever go out with. This reality-dating-show-worthy premise is plenty of fun, but introducing the story with a break-up and its mopey aftermath is a tough sell for readers just getting invested. Those who stick around will find a great literary role model in confident Leila, and Wilson’s snappy, funny dialogue effectively builds chemistry between Leila and her chosen date. This book has a valuable message about embracing life’s ups and downs, letting go of your past, and learning to choose your own happiness in spite of what others may think. Although lacking some depth, it is a fun romance for fans of other TV-inspired works, like Maurene Goo’s I Believe in a Thing Called Love. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois