46 pages • 1 hour read
Romiette and Julio
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Cincinnati, Ohio • 1990s
1999
YA
12-18 years
610L
Super Short Summary
Drawing on William Shakespeare’s iconic play Romeo and Juliet, the tragedy of two star-crossed lovers trying to love in a world of hate, Sharon M. Draper’s Romiette and Julio (1999) tells the story of two Cincinnati high school students whose interracial relationship (as 16-year-old Romiette “Romi” Cappelle is Black and 16-year-old Julio Montague is Hispanic) raises the ire of the gang that rules their school. In addition to examining gangs in inner-city high schools and the toxic logic of racism, the novel celebrates the power of young love and friendship.
Romantic
Inspirational
Suspenseful
Emotional
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
6,778 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Romiette and Julio by Sharon M. Draper intertwines modern romance with classic themes. Readers appreciate its fresh take on Shakespeare’s tale and its handling of social issues. While praised for relatable characters and a gripping plot, some critique the dialogue as unrealistic and the story's predictability. Overall, it engages a young audience effectively.
Who Should Read Romiette and Julio?
Fans of modern retellings of classic tales like West Side Story or readers who enjoy dramatic, teenage romance with a touch of suspense will be captivated by Romiette and Julio by Sharon M. Draper. This novel resonates with those who appreciate socially conscious themes akin to those in The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
6,778 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Julio Montague
Julio Montague
A Mexican American transfer student who struggles with a sense of belonging and has an interest in music and spicy foods, expressing a strong attachment to his roots and experiences from Corpus Christi, Texas.
Destiny
Destiny
A lively and star chart-obsessed friend of Romiette, known for her belief in fate and vibrant wardrobe, which adds comic relief to the story.
Ben Olsen
Ben Olsen
A creatively bold and eccentric student recognized for his constantly changing hair colors, who befriends Julio and embodies support and loyalty through his actions.
336
Novel • Fiction
Cincinnati, Ohio • 1990s
1999
YA
12-18 years
610L
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