Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins!

A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling with the social whiplash of middle school, feeling like friends are suddenly growing up faster than they are. "Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins!" centers on twelve-year-old Tahlia, who still loves pillow forts and goofing around, even as her best friend becomes more interested in boys and school dances. Faced with new babysitting responsibilities and shifting friendships, Tahlia feels immense pressure to change. This humorous and heartfelt story validates the feeling of being caught between childhood and adolescence. For ages 8 to 12, the book explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the evolution of friendships in a way that is both relatable and reassuring. It’s an excellent choice for a child who needs to hear that it's okay to grow at their own pace and that true friends will love them for exactly who they are, pillow forts and all.