You Asked for Perfect by Laura Silverman

Hudson | Holmdel High School, Grade 12

Rating: *****

You Asked for Perfect by Laura Silverman is about Ariel Stone's senior year. He's a good student: straight A's, AP classes, community volunteer, and first chair violin. He works hard to become valedictorian, but it comes at a price. Ariel sacrifices sleep, friends, and more to maintain his "perfect" image. When he struggles in the beginning of his senior year, it feels like his world is ending. He reluctantly signs up for a tutor who just so happens to be one of his frenemies, Amir, but Ariel's afraid that getting into a relationship might push him past his limits.

I highly recommend this novel to upperclassmen in high school, especially students who are anxious about school and college. You Asked for Perfect was so relatable and made me cry multiple times. Silverman writes a beautiful story about a teenager who just wants to make the people in his life proud. Ariel's character development is amazing and reminds readers that you don't have to be perfect.