Head Over Heels

SparkNotes Smart Novels

by Ryan Nerz

Smart Novels are compelling, full-length novels with edgy and mature themes that will appeal to teens. Each book showcases more than 1,000 vocabulary words frequently included on the SAT. Brief definitions appear on the same page so that readers can quickly access and digest the meanings as they read along.

Genres: Young Adult

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2004

Reviews

[Robert Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐ A Simple, Student-Friendly Read with Purpose

This was a book I originally bought for travel, intending to use it with students preparing for the SAT and ACT, and I ended up enjoying it more than I expected. As part of the SparksNotes Smart Novels series, it does exactly what it is meant to do. It offers clear themes, straightforward storytelling, and accessible language that makes it especially useful for high school students and English language learners. It works well as both a teaching tool and a low-pressure personal read.

That simplicity is also its main limitation. The language is basic and the scope is narrow, which means it does not aim for depth or complexity. Still, the focus on growing up, relationships, and self-understanding feels appropriate for its intended audience. I would recommend this book primarily for classroom use, exam preparation, and ESL contexts rather than for readers looking for a rich or challenging literary experience. As a functional and approachable student novel, it succeeds.

[Tanya Diehl]

Believe it or not, I really enjoyed this book. It is the story of Francesca who is dating the popular boy in school, but maybe isn't really into him. Her best friend likes the new boy and forces Francesca to interact with him. Francesca and Luke (the new boy) end up falling for each other, but neither one can really admit it for various reasons.It was not really a super fabulously written book, but it was engrossing enough that you kind of forgive it. It is an obvious cheesy romance, but sometimes that is an entertaining book. I may be a little nerdy, but I liked the bold face SAT vocabulary words with definitions on the bottom of each page. I think teen girls would love this book and might not really feel like they are studying vocab. As an adult even, I will probably read the rest of the series myself!

[Julie S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a novel put out by Sparknotes as a painless way to prepare for the SAT vocab. It's a story of a teenage girl like other teen books, but it uses vocab that would be good to know for the SAT. I read this online, so I was able to mouse over the vocab for a short definition. That was much easier than running to the dictionary, so I appreciate the function.

Some of the vocab feels a bit forced, but that was not a big deal. The part that annoyed me was the amount of drama in the book. That girl had way too much drama in her life, so it was really hard to relate to her. It was somewhat cheesy and predictable. However, despite this, it was an OK way to brush up on some vocab without hardcore flashcarding.

[Sarina Wong]

this is a terrific book! not only does it teach you SAT words for the future, it also has a great plot. the plot is quite grasping actually. for some reason i couldnt get myself to stop reading! it was probably because it was like a chick flick but in a book. i felt like i was there and feeling what the characters in the book felt. it was kind of weird but exhilirating at the same time. i recommend this book to girls and guys but mostly girls because the main character in the story is agirl and the problems she faces throughout her teenage life.

[Jin]

This is a pretty good book for those who wants to study the SAT because it includes a lot of vocabulary that might be in the actaul SAT tests.This book has a story so this is a fun way to study the SAT vocab. The story has a pretty satsfying ending and it's not boring to read and study vocab at the same. In fact, you can connect the story with the vocab which makes it easier to memeorize those annoying words.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself wasn't terrible, but the writing made it hard to read. Its a great idea to incorporate vocabulary and the definitions into a book, but the style of writing is very easy. Adding the SAT vocabulary just made it seem out of place, it did not fit with the book. It made it seem like they were trying to force the words to fit, and it did not flow together at certain parts.
Not my kind of read, but glad I gave it a try and learned that these books are not for me.

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually liked that there were SAT words and definitions in this book. At times, the writing did seem a little silly because the characters' dialogue was ridiculous at times. People don't typically include SAT words in every one of their sentences. But I thought it was informative overall, and enjoyed reading it.

[Martina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to read this for school and really wish I could take back the time it took me to finish this. Mediocre plot, characters, and dialogue.
Why do we keep getting novels that not even a 5-year-old would want to read?

[Cherilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally I think this book was highly predictable, but there were some aspects of the book I did really enjoy. So all in all, good book and it helped me with my vocab haha

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far this book is pretty good. I love the way it has all of the SAT vocab in it. I have definitely learned some pretty interesting words so far.

[Shiya]

Necessary for anyone who wants to study SAT vocabulary a more endurable way! Over 1,000 SAT words! AND it's not half bad.

[Kelly A.]

Goofy. Predictable. I liked it.
I know a couple smart-person words now.
I didn't take the SAT though!

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book about the confusing relationships in High School. Brings a funny edge to most romance books.

[Michelle K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has many twists in it. Poeple who like drama and romance will enjoy this book. The author makes you seem that you are the main character.

[Sydney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Helps me learn vocabulary for the SAT!

[Fairuz Karimah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very useful book. It also has a great story. Love it!

[PB · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! Very cool! :)
Love it.. :)can't quite express it:)
I absolutely agree that this is the most "painless" way to study
for the SAT vocabulary..
I want more!!!

[Anggi Hafiz Al Hakam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the title, i learn so much vocab from this book. The story is a must read, about a young complicated girl living the high school lifestyle. Anyway, i enjoyed it.

[Samantha Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read and an even more fun way to learn vocabulary.

[Tiff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this when I was a teen. A good SAT prep book.