About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is suddenly preoccupied with 'firsts' and the dizzying pressure of social milestones. It captures the exact moment when childhood play turns into the high stakes world of boy-girl parties and the terrifying prospect of a first kiss. Karen is turning thirteen and feels completely unprepared for her party, especially since her best friend is pushing a 'how-to' book on kissing and a beautiful new rival has entered the scene. The story tackles social anxiety, the fear of looking foolish, and the way peer pressure can make something exciting feel like a chore. It is a lighthearted, vintage-feeling read that validates the 'not ready yet' feeling many young teens harbor. Parents will appreciate the way it balances humor with the very real embarrassment of puberty.
