Bad Girls in Love

In 'Bad Girls in Love,' a delightful and humorous chapter book, readers follow Mikey Elsinger as she experiences her first intense crush on a boy from the school play. Mikey's enthusiastic, no-holds-barred approach to love leads to comical situations, from a new wardrobe to baking cookies and public declarations of affection. Her best friend, Margalo, a fellow 'Bad Girl' known for challenging norms, struggles to understand Mikey's sudden transformation and questions the boundaries of friendship and romance. This book, part of a series that explores friendship, courage, and ethics, offers a relatable look at navigating crushes, self-expression, and the evolving dynamics of middle-grade friendships. It's ideal for children aged 9-13 who are beginning to explore their own feelings about crushes and social identity.

Look out! Mikey Elsinger's in love! Mikey never does anything halfway, so it's no surprise that when she develops a not-so-secret crush on Shawn Macavity, the heartstoppingly gorgeous star of the school play, she goes a bit overboard. Soon Mikey -- Mikey? -- has a stylish new wardrobe, and she's baking Shawn cookies, writing their initials on blackboards, even buying him a T-shirt emblazoned "I LOVE ME." Fellow Bad Girl Margalo tries to get Mikey to turn things down a notch, but why should Mikey listen to her? -- after all, what does Margalo know about being in love? Or is Margalo hiding a romantic fantasy of her own?