About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to navigate the complex social dynamics of middle school, particularly the shift from digital friendships to real-world interactions. Madison Finn is a character who feels most at home behind a keyboard, so when her seventh-grade class heads into the woods for a three-day field trip, she has to face her anxieties about social belonging, secret admirers, and the lack of a 'delete' button for awkward moments. It is a relatable choice for children who may feel nervous about overnight trips or who are beginning to experience the flutter of first crushes. The story gently explores themes of self-confidence and teamwork while normalizing the 'growing pains' of puberty. Because it focuses on the internal monologue of a girl trying to stay true to herself while fitting in, it serves as a great bridge for parents to talk about social media boundaries and face-to-face communication. This is a light, age-appropriate read for the 8 to 12 range that validates the emotional highs and lows of the pre-teen experience.
