About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their middle schooler is navigating the confusing, often guilt-ridden territory of a first crush, especially when those feelings conflict with loyalty to a friend. The story follows Polly Nelson as she grapples with an inconvenient attraction to her best friend's boyfriend, Ollie, while trying to move on with a new, seemingly perfect interest named Sam. It provides a safe space for young teens to explore the difference between surface-level attraction and genuine connection. This is a gentle, age-appropriate romance that captures the high-stakes emotions of Heartside High without crossing into mature content. You might choose this book to help your child normalize the 'messiness' of feelings. It emphasizes that having a crush isn't a choice, but how we act on those feelings defines our integrity. It is an ideal bridge for readers moving from childhood stories into more social, relationship-driven fiction.
