Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

As a long-time Jerry Spinelli fan, I was truly excited when given the chance to review his latest, SMILES TO GO. If you loved MANIC MAGEE or WRINGER, be sure to take a look at this one.

Will Tuppence is a typical freshman. He is worried about skateboarding, his annoying little sister, and hanging with his friends, Mi-Su and BT. But, as normal as that sounds, there is another side to Will. His fascination with science gives him a serious approach to life. His idea of a fun time is spending hours stargazing at faraway galaxies, and recent news that a proton can actually die has Will constantly concerned about just how long life can go on. His concern about protons becomes the underlying thought that occupies his mind as he stumbles through his freshman year.

Other things besides the proton problem are beginning to spin out of control for Will. After witnessing a secret kiss between Mi-Su and BT, he starts to wonder why he hasn't tried to kiss Mi-Su. She is suddenly looking like more than just a mere friend. Skateboarding has always provided a great release for Will until BT manages the impossible - a death-defying ride down Dead Man's Hill. How can Will even attempt to match that? There is also the constant pestering of Will's little sister, Tabby. How can he concentrate on his school work or attempt to train for the upcoming chess tournament when she's like an annoying mosquito buzzing through his life?

With SMILES TO GO, Spinelli takes his readers into the life of Will Tuppence. In his traditional straightforward style, he presents Will's challenges and triumphs in a way that left me chuckling and teary-eyed, often at the same time. I think Spinelli recognizes that his loyal fans are now a bit older and has given them a story to match their growth and maturity. ( )

Jerry Spinelli's easy-going story-telling style introduces us to the character and personality of Will Tuppence. With typical Spinelli voice, we get to know the ins and outs of the main character and really feel what he is going through. Will must learn what it means to be a friend, a son and a brother and still stay true to himself. Good story for reluctant readers. ( )

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Frienships are challenged when love comes to call. It all starts with science but goes in many directions as junior high boy tries to navigate his life complicated by a little sister determined to get his attention, negative if need be. Great believable kids and adults.

Runyan, E. (May 2008). Spinelli, Jerry. Smiles to Go.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Book review). School Library Journal, 54, 5. p.138(2).

Carter, B. (May-June 2008). Jerry Spinelli: Smiles to Go.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Book review). The Horn Book Magazine, 84, 3. p.327(2).

Rohrlick, P. (May 2008). Spinelli, Jerry. Smiles to go.(Young adult review)(Brief article)(Book review). Kliatt, 42, 3. p.17(1).