About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is first navigating the confusing intersection of friendship and romantic feelings. "Totally Crushed" explores the social whirlwind that ensues when Annabel receives a Valentine's Day carnation from her best guy friend, Sam, a gesture that upsets her other best friend, Phoebe, who has a crush on him. This story gently unpacks themes of friendship loyalty, jealousy, and the anxiety of miscommunication. It's a light, relatable, and age-appropriate read for tweens (9-12) that normalizes the messy, awkward, and often humorous moments of early crushes, providing a safe space to see these common dramas play out.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The primary focus is on the emotional turmoil of a middle school love triangle. The approach is direct but gentle, centering on the characters' feelings of jealousy, anxiety, and confusion. It is a secular story. The resolution is hopeful and prioritizes the restoration of friendship, reinforcing that these relationships can endure the complications of crushes.
