Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally is a young adult novel that explores themes of love, loss, and forgiveness. The story follows Parker Shelton, a former popular girl and star softball player who finds herself ostracized by her peers after her mother leaves her father for another woman.

Feeling abandoned and alone, Parker struggles to find her place in the world. She turns to her old friend Drew for comfort and soon finds herself falling for him. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Drew is the older brother of Parker’s new coach, Will.

As Parker navigates the challenges of high school and her complicated love life, she learns important lessons about forgiveness and acceptance. Through her interactions with her teammates, her family, and her friends, she comes to understand that it’s okay to be imperfect and to make mistakes.

What sets Stealing Parker apart from other young adult novels is its realistic portrayal of teenage life. The characters are flawed and relatable, and their struggles feel authentic and genuine. The novel also tackles important issues such as homophobia, divorce, and bullying with sensitivity and depth.

Kenneally’s writing is engaging and heartfelt, drawing readers in from the very first page. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the emotional moments are poignant and powerful. Parker’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and readers will find themselves rooting for her every step of the way.

Overall, Stealing Parker is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will resonate with readers of all ages. It’s a story of love, redemption, and the power of forgiveness, and one that will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt and engaging young adult novel.