
A parent might reach for this book when their middle schooler expresses anxiety about romantic pressure or feels they have to change to fit in with a new, popular crowd. Seventh-grader Nora is happy to finally be accepted by the cool kids, but her new friend Dawn is uncomfortably insistent on setting her up with Mark, a boy known only for his reputation as the 'make-out king.' The story gently explores the powerful discomfort of peer pressure, especially around first relationships. It provides a valuable model for how a child can listen to their own feelings and set boundaries, even if it means risking social status. It's an excellent, grounded conversation starter for this tricky phase of growing up.
The core topic is peer pressure related to early romantic and physical intimacy (kissing). The approach is direct but not graphic, focusing on Nora's emotional discomfort rather than explicit acts. The concept of a 'make-out king' is discussed in terms of reputation and gossip. The resolution is hopeful and realistic, as Nora learns to set boundaries and finds more genuine connections. The book has a secular viewpoint.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewAn 11 to 13-year-old who is just beginning to navigate the middle school social scene where friendships shift and romantic pairings become a focus. It's perfect for a child who feels pressured to have a crush or a 'boyfriend/girlfriend' but isn't ready or interested, and needs validation that their feelings are normal.
The book can be read cold. No specific preparation is needed, but a parent should be ready for conversations about friendship, boundaries, and reputation. Discussing why a friend like Dawn might act so pushy can be a fruitful conversation, exploring her potential insecurities versus Nora's. A parent overhears their child saying, 'Everyone in my group has a boyfriend but me,' or, 'My friends keep trying to get me to go out with someone.' The child may seem anxious about social events or express confusion about navigating friendships that are suddenly focused on romance.
A younger reader (11-12) will likely focus on the plot and the clear right/wrong of Dawn's pressure. They will connect with Nora's discomfort and cheer for her when she stands up for herself. An older reader (13-14) will better appreciate the social nuances, the fear of losing status, and the complex internal conflict Nora experiences. They may also have more empathy for characters like Dawn and Mark.
Unlike many contemporary books that dive into the drama of a first romance, this 1994 story is uniquely focused on the *pressure* that precedes it. Its central conflict is Nora's relationship with herself and her female friend, not the boy. Its gentler, less dramatic tone can be a welcome relief for kids not seeking high-stakes social drama, offering a calm and validating narrative.
Seventh-grader Nora, feeling like an outsider, is thrilled when she is befriended by Dawn and welcomed into the popular group. However, Dawn is obsessed with matchmaking and decides Nora must be paired with Mark, a boy with a reputation for kissing. Nora finds herself in an increasingly uncomfortable position, trying to navigate the social pressure from her new friend while staying true to her own feelings and lack of interest in Mark. The story follows her internal struggle to find her voice and define friendship on her own terms.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.