About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the bittersweet transition between the innocence of childhood and the complexities of young adulthood. It is perfect for the teen who feels like they are suddenly seeing the world, and their oldest friends, through a different lens. The story follows Belly during a pivotal summer at a beach house where long-held crushes evolve and a beloved family friend faces a serious illness. It balances the high-stakes emotions of first love with the grounded reality of family crisis. Parents will appreciate how it explores the nuance of growing up, showing that maturity often comes from learning to support others during difficult times. While the romantic tension is the hook, the heart of the book lies in how families bond and fracture under pressure. It is a sensitive, realistic portrayal of the 15-to-16-year-old experience, ideal for readers ready for more mature emotional themes without explicit content.
