Dating Blues

Wildfire #77

by Maud Johnson

For Beth-Ann Hughes, who just turned 16, "dating blues" used to mean "no dates." But after great-looking Kenny and upperclassman Curtis start asking her out, Beth-Ann knows that having lots of dates—with the wrong boys—can be even worse!

Her best friend tells her she's too picky; there's no such thing as a perfect boy. Then Beth-Ann meets Tony and she knows that isn't true. Tony is perfect—but does he care for Beth-Ann as much as she cares for him? Beth-Ann is finally in love, and everything should be wonderful. So why is she still feeling those dating blues?

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Erin]

Dating Blues is one of the later Wildfire novels from 1986. It centers on Beth Ann, a perfectly average American teenager who is about to turn sixteen. Beth Ann's mom is disappointed in her daughter for not being social and not dating. One day when Beth Ann stays after school, a boy offers to give her a ride because it's raining and this leads to her first date and first boyfriend. Soon, however, Beth Ann is dissatisfied with their relationship, because her new boyfriend is dismissive of her interests and never wants to do anything except go to the mall. They have an argument and break up. Beth Ann's mom is angry with her and wants her to apologize and suck up, but Beth Ann stands up for herself. Throughout the rest of the book, Beth Ann comes out of her shell, learns how to socialize, has a bad date and some good ones and eventually learns that having something in common is what makes a relationship work. She grows a lot for a teen and the lesson here is great.

After reading this, I thought about how helpful these books were to young teens back in the 80s.... how we all learned so much from these books about ordinary life. Teens today do not have this outlet. Current teen novels are either outright fantasy, social justice/white blaming, stories about rich kids doing things most people can't afford or thrillers. There really aren't many books in which everyday average teens live life and solve everyday problems. No wonder why young adult sales are plummeting.