RUNNING MATES

Two love-struck teens cross the political divide in this debut.

Edgartown, North Carolina, is split between its liberal Eastside and conservative Northside. Instilled with progressive values by her moms, Annabelle Morningstar, who’s cued white, embodies her neighborhood: She’s an executive committee member of the Liberal Liaisons, eats vegan, and is aiming for the Ivy League. But when her grades make these ambitions appear out of reach, she focuses on cross-country, joining a weekly conditioning club for student athletes who hope to be recruited by colleges. The program is organized by “quintessential Northside boy” Gabe Delgado, son of a Cuban American Republican senator. The closer Anna gets to the “tall, dark, and handsome” Gabe, the more her seemingly unshakable beliefs shift, even as she tries to merge their worlds—with sometimes disastrous results. Meanwhile, a student-led boycott strikes Anna’s favorite indie bookstore after the owner prevents the store’s employees from unionizing amid unsavory rumors. Can Anna find the courage to seek the truth and fall in love, just like in the romance novels she devours? Though Locker’s tackling of pervasive ideological differences is commendable, her commentary on U.S. politics falls flat due to an overreliance on farcical depictions; this element feels like a satirical novel without the satire. Furthermore, the bookstore conflict inexplicably fades away toward the latter half. Thankfully, the cutesy budding romance that makes up the bulk of the narrative hits all the right notes.

Stay for the likable romance; skip the politics.