Cassie's Crush

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is grappling with the dizzying highs and embarrassing lows of their first major crush. It is an essential read for the child who feels like they are losing their sense of self or their connection to friends while trying to impress someone new. The story follows Cassie as she navigates the fluttery, often mortifying world of school romance, balancing the desire for popularity with the need for authentic friendship. Fiona Foden captures the authentic voice of a pre-teen, making this a perfect choice for ages 11 to 14. Parents will appreciate how the book normalizes the intense anxiety and jealousy that often accompany early adolescence. It serves as a gentle reminder that while crushes are a natural part of growing up, staying true to one's own identity and loyal to long-term friends is what truly matters in the end.