Planning Perfect

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is starting to feel the pressure of dating norms or questioning if they are missing out by not having romantic feelings. It is an ideal choice for a child who feels like an outsider in a world that prioritizes romance, or for a family navigating the complexities of a new blended dynamic. The story follows Felicity, a girl who loves planning and order, as she visits her father in Germany and begins to understand her identity as asexual. Through Felicity's journey, the book explores themes of self-acceptance, the value of platonic friendships, and the stress of trying to live up to others' expectations. It is a gentle, contemporary realistic fiction piece that provides vital representation for the asexual spectrum. Parents will appreciate how it normalizes being 'perfectly whole' without needing a partner, while also tackling the relatable growing pains of joining a new step-family.