A parent might reach for this book when their middle schooler is anxious about starting high school, especially if they feel their friendships are changing faster than they are. Set just after World War II, this story follows Kitty as she begins freshman year at a Catholic high school. Her best friend is suddenly obsessed with boys and being popular, leaving Kitty feeling confused and left out. The book gently explores the emotional rollercoaster of shifting friendships, developing a new sense of self, and the awkward excitement of first crushes. It’s a quiet, character-driven story that normalizes the feeling of being out of sync with your peers during a major life transition. The historical setting provides a soft-focus lens on these timeless teenage challenges, making it a comforting read for a child navigating the social complexities of growing up.
The post-WWII setting includes social norms and language that may feel dated to modern readers.
Sensitive Topics
The primary focus is on the emotional pains of adolescence: loneliness, social anxiety, and identity confusion. Religion (Catholicism) is a strong environmental element, shaping the school rules and social norms, but it is presented as a cultural backdrop rather than a topic for deep exploration. The approach is direct and emotionally realistic for the time period. The resolution is hopeful, with Kitty feeling more comfortable in her own skin and secure in her friendships, both old and new.
Ideal Reader
A 12-to-14-year-old who is feeling nervous about the social shifts that come with starting high school. This reader likely prefers character-focused, realistic stories over high-stakes fantasy or drama. They may feel like their friends are growing up faster than they are and will find Kitty's internal struggles deeply relatable.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed. The book can be read cold. A parent could briefly explain the post-WWII context (e.g., why a new car is a big deal, the more formal social rules) to help a child appreciate the historical setting, but the core emotional themes are timeless and universally understandable. A parent has just heard their child say, "My best friend doesn't want to hang out with me anymore," or, "Everyone at school is obsessed with dating and I just don't get it." The child is expressing anxiety about fitting in or feeling left behind by their peer group.
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-13) will likely experience the story as a direct reflection of their own current or upcoming anxieties, identifying strongly with Kitty's confusion and hurt. An older reader (14-15) might read it with a bit more distance, appreciating the historical setting and recognizing the universality of the freshman experience with a sense of nostalgia or knowing perspective.
What Makes It Special
Its primary differentiator is the gentle, historical lens. In a market saturated with contemporary YA that often features intense drama, this book offers a quiet, innocent, and low-stakes exploration of the same core themes. The 1940s Catholic school setting provides a unique and charming backdrop that feels both distinct and comfortingly old-fashioned.
Read plot summary
The story follows Kitty as she enters her freshman year at St. Agatha's Academy, a Catholic high school in St. Paul, Minnesota, in the immediate post-World War II era. Her lifelong best friend, Margaret Mary, has returned from the summer newly interested in boys, fashion, and popularity, making Kitty feel immature and lonely. Kitty struggles to navigate the school's strict social codes, makes a new, more down-to-earth friend named Eileen, and experiences her first awkward crush and date with a boy named Paul. The plot is a slice-of-life look at her emotional journey toward self-confidence and finding her own way to belong.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Kitty feels left behind when Margaret Mary becomes interested in new things like boys and makeup. Have you ever felt like a friend was changing in a way you didn't understand? How did it make you feel?
2
At the beginning of the book, Kitty feels she must choose between her old friend Margaret Mary and her new friend Eileen. Do you think she still feels that way at the end? Is it possible to have different kinds of friends?
3
The nuns at St. Agatha's have many strict rules. How do these rules affect Kitty's experience of high school? How are they different from or similar to the rules you have at school?
4
Kitty is very nervous before her first date with Paul. What specific things is she worried about? After the date, do you think she feels more or less confident about herself?
