About This Book
Reach for this book when your daughter feels like a stranger in her own skin, caught between the comfortable world of being a tomboy and the confusing new expectations of middle school femininity. It speaks directly to the girl who would rather be on the basketball court than at a dance, but suddenly finds herself noticing boys and dealing with the physical changes of puberty. Joylin is a relatable protagonist navigating the shift from being one of the guys to discovering her own version of being a girl. The story explores themes of changing friendships, first crushes, and self-acceptance with a light touch. Parents will appreciate how Nikki Grimes uses accessible verse to normalize the awkwardness of the pre-teen years, making it an excellent choice for girls aged 10 to 14 who are experiencing their own planet middle school transition.
