
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the shadow of a high-achieving or charismatic sibling, or when they feel like they are 'the quiet one' in a loud, chaotic family. It is a poignant look at the bond between two sisters, Rosie and Skate, as they navigate a summer of transition. While Skate is the wilder, more magnetic older sister, Rosie is the observer trying to define her own worth and navigate her first brushes with romance. The story addresses the messy reality of family dysfunction, including an absent father and a mother struggling to keep things together, without offering easy or polished solutions. It is emotionally honest about the jealousy and fierce loyalty that coexist in sibling relationships. Recommended for ages 12 and up, this is a beautiful choice for helping a teen articulate feelings of loneliness, body image concerns, and the desire to be seen for who they truly are.
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Sign in to write a reviewFirst kisses and teenage romantic tension.
Occasional realistic teenage profanity.
The book deals with parental abandonment and emotional neglect in a direct, secular, and realistic manner. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: the family's problems aren't cured, but the sisters find a more sustainable way to lean on each other.
A 13 or 14-year-old girl who feels 'average' or invisible compared to her peers or siblings and is beginning to realize that her parents are flawed, complicated human beings.
Parents should be aware of some frank discussions regarding puberty, body image, and mild sexual tension/experimentation typical of early adolescence. It is best read 'cold' to allow the teen to experience Rosie's journey of discovery naturally. A parent might reach for this after seeing their child withdraw or express frustration about being compared to a sibling. The trigger is often the 'second-best' syndrome.
Younger teens (12-13) will relate to the insecurity of first crushes and sibling rivalry. Older teens (15-17) will better appreciate the nuances of the mother's depression and the socioeconomic weight of the family's situation.
Unlike many YA novels that focus solely on the romance, this book prioritizes the sister bond as the primary, albeit complicated, love story.
Set over a pivotal summer, the story follows sisters Rosie and Skate as they navigate their differing reactions to their father's absence and their mother's emotional fragility. Rosie, the younger and more introspective sister, watches as Skate seeks validation through boys and rebellion. Rosie begins to find her own identity through a budding relationship with a local boy named Jimmy and a growing awareness of her own artistic and emotional needs.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.