The illustrations are lovely, and the male lead (and his friends) are wonderfully wholesome and caring. Jo’s grandma certainly did not care because Jo was up and down town with people I don’t even know if her grandma knew. Still, these are some kind, well-adjusted high schoolers because most are not going to take interest in a middle-schooler they are not mentoring, related to, or is one of their friend’s siblings.

Anyway, I thought the story felt thin. Although Jo’s wanting to make friends and being bullied are relatable, I didn’t care about her. Rus’ concerns about paying for college were also relatable. The ending felt too good to be true

it would’ve been more realistic if he had won a scholarship than a suitcase of money. I mean there was no foreshadowing for it.

Overall, a great lighthearted read!