I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Nitty Gritty
Sam Border and his brother Riddle know how to lay low--how to fend for themselves and how to avoid their volatile father Embry. Sam meets Emily Bell, a nice girl from a nice family with a not-so-nice singing voice. A chance encounter at her church while Emily is singing the Jackson Five's "I'll Be There" sets events into motion that have ramifications far beyond themselves.

Touchy Feely
This book is like the best hot chocolate on Christmas Day. Can it get any better? This story is engrossing, the characters are fully fleshed out (including the vile father) and the narrative style gives readers the sense that they are witnessing something magical. Which they are. I've heard this book described as "emotionally satisfying" which it is. I think that guys and girls would like this book. There's enough romance and action and adventure to suit most tastes. It's also heartening to see a kind, functional family in a YA book. So many times, the mother's dead or the father's emotionally distant or whatever. Sam's family is like that, but Emily's family is loving and supportive of their relationship. It just makes the book that more authentic.

Nerdy Bits
Beyond their budding romance, Sam has a hidden talent propels Emily's family to rescue him and Riddle from the influence of their father. It looks a little something like this (spoiler alert!)

Full Coverage
I love this original cover by Neil Swaab. The awesomeness of this book is magnified by not having any half exposed windblown faces or a guy and a girl allllmost kissing. This cover is timeless to me, and hints at the special, heartwarming story within.

Dewey Love
I'm blanking on any sort of non-fiction tie-in at the moment, but now would be the perfect time to listen to the titular song.



Inspirational Moment
Holly Goldberg Sloan has a brilliant website with character playlists, inspirations, and other info. Here's a quote from that site about the book.

"I’ll Be There is about the importance of time and place and individual action. It’s about finding your way when you are lost. And it is about the joy of being found. It is about families, personal responsibility and individual talent. It’s also about consequences."

Final Thoughts
This book is going on my "I-bought-it-so-I-can-loan-it-to-other-people-just-call-me-a-book-evangelist" shelf. Sloan is a rather accomplished movie producer, so I'm crossing my fingers that this book will be made into a movie. It's a story that people will respond to. So until that happens...you know what to do.