From Twinkle With Love is a spectacularly funny and heartwarming romance all in one. We follow aspiring director Twinkle Mehra as she works through the racial, gender, and social injustices of the film world, and an even more difficult challenge: the high school social system. Twinkle is what they call a groundling, someone who lives more in the shadows of the school, usually smart and always not popular. She has had a major crush on this guy called Neil Roy, a swimming prodigy and total hottie, for a very long time. Not only that but now dating Neil will give her an opportunity to finally lose groundling status and join her best friend, Maddie, among high school royalty. Twinkle starts to work on a movie for the upcoming Summer Festival with Sahil Roy, who just so happens to be Neil’s twin brother. She struggles with the deterioration of her friendship with Maddie, the drama bubbling up from her cast of populars, her newfound crush on Sahil, and a mystery admirer: “N.”, who starts writing her emails one day.

Will Twinkle’s and Sahil’s movie be a smashing success? Will Twinkle end up with her long-term crush, or will her new love for Neil’s brother carry the day? Will Twinkle finally shed her groundling status? This novel is a sweet, moderately sized read that is perfect for anyone ages 11 and up. We see themes of friendship, family, and trust, and watch as Twinkle tries to navigate through it all.

Review by: Tiara C.

Tiara is a virtual volunteer at Sylmar Branch Library. She is a 10th grader at Granada Hills Charter High School.

—Dana Eklund, Sylmar Branch Library