Crashing in Love

In "Crashing in Love," Jennifer Richard Jacobson introduces Peyton, a twelve-year-old navigating the aftermath of her parents' divorce by meticulously planning a "perfect summer" and her ideal first boyfriend. Guided by inspirational quotes and a checklist of traits, Peyton believes she can control her destiny. However, her carefully constructed plans are upended when she discovers a boy unconscious after a hit-and-run accident. This dramatic event propels Peyton into a mystery, as she dedicates her summer to finding the responsible driver and visiting the injured boy. The narrative beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, the complexities of first crushes, and the acceptance that life's most meaningful experiences often arise from unexpected, imperfect circumstances. It's a heartwarming story for middle-grade readers dealing with family changes or the pressures of growing up.

When Peyton comes across the victim of a hit-and-run, she knows it’s destiny. But what exactly does fate have in store for her and the boy in the coma? Since her parents divorced, twelve-year-old Peyton has known that to achieve happier outcomes in her life, she’s got to focus on eliminating her flaws—and on making sure her first boyfriend is truly right for her. Guided by her collection of inspirational quotes and her growing list of ideal boyfriend traits, Peyton is convinced that this summer will be the perfect summer, complete with the perfect boyfriend! But when she discovers a boy lying unconscious in the middle of the road, the victim of a hit-and-run, her perfect summer takes a dramatic detour. Determined to find the driver responsible, Peyton divides her time between searching her small town for clues and visiting the comatose (and cute!) boy in the hospital. When he wakes up, will he prove to be her destiny? Or does life have a few more surprises in store? With abundant warmth and gentle humor, Jennifer Richard Jacobson offers a novel about searching for perfect answers—and finding that reality is both messier and far more intriguing than anything you can dream up.