Naomi Butler (Children's Literature)
Jen Lewis is having a great junior year. Not only is she the features editor of the school paper, but she’s also dating Max Brown, the paper’s editor-in-chief. Everything is perfect--that is, until Max says, “Maybe it would be better if we were just friends.” Jen feels like she cannot deal with seeing Max in school every day, and her friend Nana buys her a book called The Breakup Bible. Jen is doubtful whether the author can help and wonders whether she can she follow the few basic commandments. She is not even sure whether the author talking about her and Max? She can still get absorbed in the newspaper activities, but it is hard. The story is pretty realistic and portrays teen life fairly well. It may be helpful to some teen readers who have experienced breakups. The writer, bring a teacher, probably sees much of this kind of heartache. The brilliant pink cover is likely to attract female readers, while the “Ten Breakup Commandments” listed on the back may hit home with teens immediately. 2007, Hyperion, $15.99. Ages 15 to 17.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2007)
Jennifer can't move on after her boyfriend dumps her. Her grandmother's gift of The Breakup Bible doesn't help at first, but when the book's lessons start working, and with a hot news story to investigate, Jennifer's on the road to recovery. Jennifer's dual roles as ace-reporter and heartbroken dumpee don't convincingly gel, but ex-girlfriends will relate to her feelings. Category: Older Fiction. 2007, Hyperion, 265pp, 15.99. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws.

Geri Dioro (VOYA, June 2007 (Vol. 30, No. 2))
Jennifer's boyfriend Max breaks up with her, telling her that they would be better as "just friends." Her family is loving but unhelpful, her friends are fiercely protective, and her grandmother offers a self-help book titled The Breakup Bible. Jennifer tries to follow the book's advice, but it hinders more than helps. A heartbroken Jennifer feels that no one truly understands her pain. Jennifer's life is not all misery, however. She is a smart girl with plenty of good opportunities. There is a chance at a summer internship at the New York Times; the editor position at her school newspaper will be hers next year; she makes new friends by writing an investigative story about race relations at her school; and her father and his loving boyfriend set her up on a wonderful blind date. Unsurprisingly by the end of the story, Jennifer learns that breakups can be difficult, but one will survive and thrive by being one's own person and moving on. The book is like cotton candy: sweet, light, gone fast, and easily forgettable. There are several scenes of casual teen drinking that kept bringing this reviewer up short. Jennifer and her friends are juniors in high school but they drink at parties, at family gatherings, and out at a restaurant. Not that this book needs to be a morality play, but the characters drink in a very blasé manner that was a bit unsettling. Overall it is a frothy, insubstantial additional purchase. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P M J (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2007, Hyperion/DBG, 272p., $15.99. Ages 11 to 15.

Lucy Freeman, Teen Reviewer (VOYA, June 2007 (Vol. 30, No. 2))
Relaxing in a pool chair on a summer day? The Breakup Bible is perfect for you. In the mood for some serious literature? Not so much. The book is cute and fun, but not something you'll be cracking open again soon. Kantor's characters have little depth and never stray far from stereotypical high schoolers. All there is to be found here is an overplayed and easily forgettable love story. VOYA CODES: 2Q 3P M J (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2007, Hyperion/DBG, 272p., $15.99. Ages 11 to 15.