About This Book
Parents should reach for this book when their middle schooler is experiencing the raw, confusing fallout of a first major breakup or is feeling suddenly isolated within their established friend group. Alice McKinley, a relatable eighth grader, faces the devastating end of her relationship with her long-term boyfriend, Patrick. The story captures the hollow ache of loneliness and the difficult process of rebuilding one's identity when a significant person is no longer there. It is a deeply empathetic look at the transition from being part of a 'couple' to being an individual again. While it focuses on the pain of middle school social shifts, it is written with a warmth and realism that provides genuine comfort. It normalizes the fact that growing up often involves outgrowing people and places, making it an excellent choice for 12 to 15 year olds navigating their own social hurdles.
