About This Book
Reach for this book if your child is beginning to experiment with different 'versions' of themselves to impress others or if they are feeling the social pressure of being around older peers. It specifically addresses the anxiety of wanting to belong and the common mistake of thinking we have to be someone else to be worthy of friendship. Rachel's story is a relatable exploration of identity, honesty, and the messy reality of blended families. In this third installment of the series, Rachel travels to Florida to visit her father and his new girlfriend. When she starts working at a local cafe, she adopts the persona of 'Ava' to fit in with her older, cooler coworkers. The situation spirals when she gets involved in their 'Gossip File' project. While the tone is light and humorous, it provides a safe space for 9 to 12 year olds to examine the weight of secrets and the value of being their authentic selves. Parents will appreciate how it models the consequences of lying without being overly preachy.
