Honestly, Katie John!

Reach for this book when your daughter starts feeling the sudden, uncomfortable pressure to act grown up or trade her tree-climbing for boy-girl parties. It is a classic remedy for the girl who feels caught in the middle: too old for dolls but not quite ready for the social performance of junior high. The story follows eleven-year-old Katie John as she navigates the transition to sixth grade, dealing with a new Boy-Girl Club, the embarrassment of her first crush, and the internal struggle to remain true to herself while wanting to fit in. At its heart, this is a book about identity and the awkwardness of early adolescence. It validates the feeling that growing up can be confusing and even unwanted at times. Written with a light, humorous touch, it helps normalize the 'messy middle' years for girls aged 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate the wholesome but realistic portrayal of 1960s adolescence, which remains surprisingly relevant to the social anxieties modern children face today.