About This Book
Reach for this book when your eighth grader is oscillating between wanting to be the center of attention and wanting to disappear into the background. As Alice McKinley navigates the awkward transition of middle school, she experiments with 'outrageous' behavior, like dyeing her hair or trying on bold new personalities, while still relying on the steady, safe presence of her single father and older brother. It is a quintessential coming-of-age story that addresses the confusing mix of bravado and insecurity common in early adolescence. The book deals honestly with friendship shifts, body image, and the desire for independence. It is appropriate for readers aged 10 to 14 who are beginning to ask questions about their own identity and social standing. Parents will appreciate how it validates the messy, non-linear process of growing up while maintaining a heartwarming family foundation.
