I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Bridge From Me to You by Lisa SchroederPublished by Scholastic Inc. on 2014-07-29
Genres: Adolescence, Family, General, Love & Romance, Social Issues, Young Adult
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher
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Also by this author: All We Have Is Now
Lauren has a secret. Colby has a problem. But when they find each other, everything falls into place. In alternating chapters of verse and prose, new girl Lauren and football hero Colby come together, fall apart, and build something stronger than either of them thought possible -- something to truly believe in.
The Bridge from Me to You is about a reluctant football star and the new girl with a secret. Colby and Lauren bond over bugles, baking, birds and bridges in this Friday Night Lights-esque story.
Lisa Schroeder’s latest book is very sweet and a good choice for a back-to-school read. It’s quiet and full of small-town charm and I bet will be a hit with middle schoolers. My own teen would probably say the too-good-to-be-true football player is nothing like the guys at her high school though.
The book is written in alternating pov, with Lauren’s chapters in free verse. Lauren is working through an unspecified family problem that led her to move in with relatives in Oregon. She is seeing a therapist who encourages her to write in her journal, which is where the free verse comes in. She hopes to go to college and study birds, but feels like her dreams are out of reach, and struggles with family loyalty and trust.
In this football-obsessed town, all eyes are on Colby to bring the Eagles to State. There’s a coach like FNL’s Eric Taylor, who asks the team to “Believe.” And Colby’s father is the stereotypical football dad who pressures him to be the best so he can go on to college football. Only Colby wants to study civil engineering and build bridges – but is concerned about letting everyone down. With Colby’s best friend Benny in the hospital, he leans on his crush Lauren for friendship.
The romance is quite innocent and cute in this one. Colby and Lauren both needed someone that knew them apart from their personal baggage and their friendship develops into something more naturally.
The story stays light, though there are some heavy issues hovering in the background. It’s a very cozy read that transports you to a small town with simple pleasures. The message to follow your dreams and take a chance is a good one, and relatable to anyone wanting to veer from the path that’s expected of them.
The story reminded me a lot of FNL, which is not a bad thing in my book.
I don’t think I’ve read a book written in free verse and regular prose. I’m intrigued.
Thanks for your wonderful review Lucy. This sounds like a charming story.
I think Amy (the book goonie) would really like this one! It sounds right up her alley!
Yup, agreed! It’s a good mother-daughter book to share.
Sweet & light & football are always winners. Seeing this review made pick up Carmack’s Rusk Univ series to get a taste of FB & fall 🙂
Thanks for the review! I’m also intrigued by the juxtaposition of free verse and prose… How well is the verse done?
I think the half-verse worked well to illustrate Lauren’s state of mind. She’s processing some heavy stuff, and I think that heavier issues translate well to verse novels. Also, it made sense to use that format for her chapters since the journal was her outlet and maybe she felt more comfortable expressing herself in free verse.
Hope you give the book a try!
I recently read this and really, really liked it. I was actually a bit surprised by how much I liked it.
I’ve actually never watched Friday Night Lights – but I feel like I should because I’ve heard so many bloggers raving about it and I believe it is on Netflix. But I do get the FNL feeling that this book gave.
I do agree, that Colby seemed a little too good to be true, but I loved him all the same.
I’ll have to check out your review! Have you read Schroeder’s The Day Before? That is my favorite of her books.
Colby is an awesome character and I wish there were more Colby’s out in the world.
And yes I hope you do check out FNL sometime- all 5 seasons are on Netflix streaming!
This sounds like a fun, and cheerful read. I definitely think there is always a time and place for these types of books. I always like books that contain sports, especially when it comes to contemporary novels. Great review!
I felt very similarly!