Sophie is mature. Sophie is responsible. Sophie is dreadfully dull.  So dull in fact that her boyfriend breaks up with her just before high school graduation.  What should be the happiest time of her life is turned upside down.  But Sophie’s best friend Ella has a plan. Every day for the remainder of the summer Sophie will try a brand new experience. Some experiences will be tame and others will be wild, but each one will thrust her out of her comfort zone. Every adventure is documented with pictures or videos and posted online.

90 Days of Different is written by Eric Walters, one of Canada’s most popular writers for young readers. He began his career as a teacher, writing stories that would appeal to his students. Years later, he is still finding ways to connect with his young audience. You can follow all of Sophie’s experiences on social media. Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts are set up with pictures of her adventures.

Some of Sophie’s tamer experiences have her doing things like modeling on a runway or riding a mechanical bull.  One of wildest adventures starts with her sneaking out late at night to paint street art and ends with her in the back of a police car. Other experiences are just plain entertaining, like getting a job and then trying to get fired before the end of her shift.

As the summer goes on, Sophie becomes more confident and finds herself as somewhat of a social media star. People start following her adventures from all over the world, some even suggesting what she should do for her next experience.

The story pushes the idea of growth and self discovery but it also focuses on friendship. Instead of being about girls who chase the idea of boys and romance, it follows the story of two girls who believe in and support each other.

Sophie and Ella’s friendship began in early childhood. Since then,they’ve shared together all of life’s joys and hardships. Ella was there when Sophie lost her mom. Sophie was there for Ella when her parents divorced.  Like any real friendship, it has its ups and downs, positives and shortcomings.

90 Days of Different is a light, easy read with a positive message. It’s a great choice to curl up with on the deck or porch and start the summer.

-Lesley L.