About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is struggling with the pressure to be 'cool' or has started telling small lies to fit in with their peers. This humorous story follows J.P. Tate, a boy who becomes so infatuated with a new girl at school that he fabricates a tragic family secret to get her attention. As the lie snowballs, J.P. must navigate the intense embarrassment and anxiety that come with being caught in his own web of deception. It is an ideal choice for parents looking to normalize the awkwardness of first crushes while highlighting the importance of personal integrity. Lowry captures the chaotic internal monologue of a twelve-year-old with wit and empathy, making it a safe space to discuss how one poor choice can lead to a comedy of errors. It is perfectly pitched for ages 8 to 12.
