Peggy Guthart Strauss

Studying abroad isn't at all like Kelly thought it would be.Instead of shopping for fine Italian leather and living in an apartment with a view of the Colosseum, she is stuck in a stuffy dorm room with three other girls, and is sharing one shower with the entire floor! This is not the bella Roma that she'd dreamed of. But there is one part of Italy that Kelly doesn't mind—Joe, a really cute guy who's in the study abroad program too. Joe's into staying up late and partying hard, two things that Kelly used to love doing. Bad habits are hard to break, and she soon finds herself on thin ice with the program coordinators. If Kelly's not careful, she might just get the boot…… (mehr)

Pretty, popular and outgoing, Kelly Brandt dreams of being a fashion designer. She is thrilled to be spending her whole summer in Italy, as part of a foreign studies program. Kelly soon meets Joe, from Malibu, a surfer (and slacker) who appeals to her wilder side. Partying with Joe causes Kelly to miss class, neglect assignments, and irritate her roommates. When Kelly realizes that she is letting her teachers, parents, friends and herself down, she changes her attitude and tries to salvage the remainder of her trip. This is a cute, funny story about growing up, finding one's true self, and the qualities of real friendship. The places Kelly travels are described in rich detail, and the adults in the book are kind, wise and fair. This adds dimension to an otherwise simple "summer romance."… (mehr)