About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is navigating the comedy of errors that often accompanies a first crush or the sudden, intense pressure to be cool. It is the perfect choice for a child who feels like they are the only one making embarrassing mistakes or overthinking social interactions. The story follows three very different eighth-grade boys: Sam, Duke, and Chollie: who all fall for the same girl, Miranda Mullaly, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and competitive antics. While the plot is driven by a shared crush, the heart of the book explores how preteens project their own desires onto others and the importance of seeing peers as real people rather than prizes. It addresses jealousy, the struggle for self-confidence, and the messy reality of middle school friendships with a light, humorous touch. Parents will appreciate how it normalizes the awkwardness of early adolescence without being heavy-handed, making it a safe and relatable read for the 10 to 14 age group.
