About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is facing the excitement and anxiety of a first summer job, a new social scene, or the general push-pull of wanting more independence. Ocean City follows a teenage girl as she spends a formative summer working in a bustling beach town. She learns to navigate demanding bosses, the shifting loyalties of a new friend group, and the intoxicating feelings of a first romance. This classic coming-of-age story explores themes of self-discovery, loyalty, and the bittersweet nature of temporary connections. It’s a gentle, relatable read for teens ready for a story about growing up, perfectly capturing the magic and melancholy of a summer that changes everything.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The primary sensitive topic is romantic content, handled in a way that is age-appropriate for young teens. It involves first crushes, kissing, and the emotional intensity of a first relationship. The approach is direct and secular, focusing on the protagonist's feelings and experiences. The book also touches on peer pressure and social exclusion in a realistic way. The resolution is hopeful but tinged with the bittersweet reality that summer ends and people move on.
