Jessica

A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling overshadowed by friends and struggling with self-comparison. The story follows Jessica, a quiet girl who feels plain and invisible next to her popular best friend. When a new boy enters their circle, Jessica's insecurities are magnified as she navigates her first real crush and the fear that he's more interested in her friend. This gentle, realistic story validates the anxieties of early adolescence, exploring themes of self-worth, friendship, and belonging. It's a perfect choice for middle schoolers as it offers a hopeful message about finding confidence in your own unique strengths, not in changing who you are.