  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 07/01/2013 Breaking up is hard to do, but not if you have the Heartbreak Messenger do it for you. For 20 bucks he will deliver a breakup message to your soon-to-be ex. But who is the man behind the myth? None other than 13-year-old Quentin, who invents the surprisingly lucrative business after assisting his friend’s older brother. Quentin finds being a professional relationship ender harder—and more dangerous—than he expected, but he doesn’t fully understand the emotional fallout until he is hired by the boyfriend of his best friend, Abby. The situations Quentin finds himself in are humorous and heartfelt, often underscoring his own cluelessness about Abby’s true feelings. With strong supporting characters and an appealing lead, this funny, feel-good tale is perfect for those beginning to think about dating. - Copyright 2013 Booklist. School Library Journal - 08/01/2013 Gr 5–8—When his best friend's brother wants to break up with his girlfriend but doesn't know how, Quentin agrees to do it for him for $20. He never expects it to turn into a business, but after being successful and taking the ex's advice to soften the blow with flowers and chocolate, he becomes the heartbreak messenger. Wanting to help out his car-mechanic mother with what he assumes are money problems, he takes on more breakups. However, most of them are not so simple. He gets punched by a girl, has to figure out how to break up with two girls at the same time without telling them about each other, and must comfort an enormous football player whose heart is broken. As he struggles to keep his business and his body safe from harm, he finds himself with conflicting feelings about his other best friend, Abby. When her boyfriend asks for his services, Quentin must decide about his true feelings for her. Quentin is a likable and funny narrator. His confusion over his feelings for Abby is authentic, and his decision that he is not ready to pursue a romantic relationship will strike a chord with other preteens. This clever read will find an audience with both boys and girls.—Kefira Phillipe, Nichols Middle School, Evanston, IL - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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