Seventeen and In-Between

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the transition from childhood insecurities to the weight of adult responsibilities. It is particularly helpful for girls who have overcome past struggles with body image or self-esteem but now find themselves facing complicated ethical dilemmas in their first serious relationships. The story follows Elsie, who has transformed from the fat girl of fifth grade into a slender seventeen year old, yet still carries the internal shadows of her younger self. As Elsie navigates a steady relationship with her boyfriend Cracker and manages her first job, she is confronted with a difficult moral choice regarding her boss's dishonesty. This narrative models how to maintain personal integrity and set boundaries even when it feels socially risky. It serves as an excellent bridge for discussing how our past identities influence our current choices and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it might cost us a comfortable situation.