Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Fairfield, a suburb of Chicago, is really two worlds in essence. On the north-side, there are the wealthy, snobby white fold with their designed clothes, cars, and lives. On the south-side, gang life and poverty is common amongst the Latinos. These opposite sides of town don’t mix, especially with their many prejudices against each other, so naturally, trouble brews when Brittany Ellis, a pretty and popular north-sider, and Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the south-side, are forced to be lab partners in their chemistry class. Yet, aside from the obvious differences, Brittany and Alex are the same, putting up a certain image to cover up the other disasters in their lives. And neither is prepared, amidst prejudices from all sides and the ever-present factor of Alex’s gang involvement, for what they do find—love.

Reminiscent of the classics Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story, Perfect Chemistry is an oh-so-romantic tale of love between two opposing groups of people, but with a twist. Elkeles wonderfully portrays the surface differences between Brittany and Alex, especially family and everyday life, without making them into the stereotypical good-girl-bad-boy couple. I liked how Brittany and Alex each had their own unique identity and how they managed to overcome any prejudices they previously felt to be with each other. The attraction between these too is so intense that it’s practically tangible, and readers will be rooting for them to be together. Perfect Chemistry includes a realistic view of the harshness of gang life and the danger that comes with that territory, as well as the trials and difficulties of living with family with special needs and others who may want what’s best but don’t necessarily know what that is. Perfect Chemistry is an unforgettable tale about forbidden romance and overcoming the odds.

Perfect Chemistry will be a hit among teens looking for a sweet and romantic story as well as fans of all variations of Romeo and Juliet, including Chasing Windmills by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Rating: 5.0

Review copy from publisher Walker Books for Young Readers