About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler starts expressing anxiety about social milestones like first dates or group outings. It is a perfect choice for the child who feels like an awkward 'late bloomer' compared to their peers. The story follows Al and her best friend Thelma as they navigate the humorous and often agonizing preparations for a blind date. It captures the universal desire to look and act grown up while still feeling very much like a kid inside. Constance C. Greene treats these pre-teen worries with genuine respect and lighthearted humor. Parents will appreciate how the book normalizes the physical and emotional insecurities of puberty without being overly heavy-handed. It celebrates the safety net of friendship during life's most embarrassing moments. While written in the early 90s, the feelings of self-consciousness and the importance of a loyal best friend remain timeless for the 9 to 12 age group.
