Falling in Like

Name: Falling in Like
ISBN: 9780746093429

For young readers navigating the complexities of middle school friendships, personal aspirations, and the jitters of a first crush, this book offers relatable stories.

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About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when their child is beginning to balance individual ambitions with the demands of friendship and is perhaps navigating the confusing, exciting feelings of a first crush. "Falling in Like" follows four friends from summer camp who use a blog to support each other through the school year. Each girl faces a personal challenge: a competitive science fair, an artistic opportunity, a dance audition, and the unexpected attention of a new boy. The story gently explores themes of perseverance, self-confidence, and the loyalty that holds friends together. It's an ideal, low-stakes read for middle graders, normalizing the anxieties and triumphs of this transitional age.

Friendship & Loyalty School Life Friendship & Social Self-Confidence & Identity Growing Up Making Friends Art & Creativity Resilience & Perseverance

What Parents Should Know

Romantic ContentMild

Focuses on the sweet and awkward jitters of a first crush, with no physical intimacy.

Sensitive Topics

The main topic is early romantic feelings or crushes. The approach is direct but very gentle and innocent, focusing on the awkwardness and excitement of "liking" someone, as the title implies. There is no physical romance. The resolution to this and other conflicts is hopeful and realistic for the age group. The context is secular.