About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is navigating the dual pressures of a changing body and a changing family structure. Tina C. is a self-conscious twelve-year-old who feels out of place because of her height and her parents' divorce. As she prepares for her father's second wedding and her own summer debut at a local club, she must reconcile her insecurities with the reality of her new blended family. This story is a gentle, realistic exploration of late-childhood anxiety, identity, and the realization that parents are flawed people too. It is particularly helpful for children who feel they are 'growing up too fast' or who struggle with jealousy toward a parent's new partner. The 1980s setting provides a nostalgic but still highly relevant backdrop for discussions about self-image and loyalty.
