• Age: 10 to 13
• Grade: 5 to 8

On the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association YA Top Forty list for 2008

What does Erin Morris have to do to get the school's most popular hottie, Zach Cameron, to ask her out?

When a dog food company announces a competition for the "new face of Cheesebarkers" TV ad campaign, a school committee forms to find a school mascot and train it so they can win the prize money for the school. And Zach Cameron is on the committee. What better place to show off her talents as a dog trainer and impress Zach?

At times touching and other times hilarious, The Trouble with Cupid examines a young teen's first serious crush, along with the constant struggle to find acceptance while still remaining true to her principles.

Laura Langston is the author of several books for children and adults. Lesia’s Dreamrecently won for the kobzar literary award, Canada’s newest national book award. It wasalso nominated for three other children’s choice awards. Mile-High Apple Pie, her recentpicture book, was nominated for the oLA’s Blue spruce award; The Fox’s Kettle was nominated for a Governor General’s award for Illustration; and Pay Dirt! was nominated for the red cedar and silver Birch awards. A former writer and broadcaster for the CBC, Laura Langston also writes regularly for Canadian Gardening magazine and has authored a book on herb gardening. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia. Visit her website at www.lauralangston.com.

Laura Langston's profile page

"Middle grade girls will enjoy this "feel-good" story for its humor, and they will relate to Erin in her struggle to make the right choices. . . Langston creates a likeable character. Readers will be pleased with Erin's outcome."
— VOYA

"The Trouble With Cupid will appeal to preteens and young teens who love dogs, and girls will appreciate that Erin not only takes a stand for animals but also turns down the offer of her previous dreamy crush Zach when she finds out he drinks alcohol and isn't as dreamy as she thought. . . Readers may find Cupid "a teeny weeny bit beautiful, in an ugly sort of way," just like Erin does, and look forward to any future adventures Langston has planned for them.
Recommended"
— CM Magazine

"The story is a quick and entertaining read with believable characters. Although lighthearted, the plot introduces the themes of animal exploitation and the importance of standing up for one's principles. Erin is a sympathetic and independent protagonist, and dog lovers will identify with her affection for and loyalty to her four-legged friends."
— School Library Journal

"Laura Langston has skillfully woven some very interesting themes into this novel."
— Resource Links

"Simply and fluently told, it comes to a morally satisfying conclusion when all the honest people - and dogs - come out on top."
— Victoria Times-Colonist

"This paperback would make a good addition to almost any library for young adults, because it's written in everyday simple language, easy to understand, with short uncomplicated sentence structure and a plot sure to interest any dog lover. I recommend this book for any middle school library."
— Lane Education Service District (4 out of 5 Stars)

"While the tale has some hilarious scenes, it touches on the serious issues of animal exploitation and ethics. Dog lovers and advocates for animal rights will identify with the protagonist's dilemma. Recommended."
— Pennsylvania School Librarians Association