shug

Reach for this book when your child is feeling the sting of middle school social shifts or the confusion of outgrowing childhood friendships. It is perfect for the preteen who feels too young for high school drama but too old for kid stuff, especially if they are navigating their first real crush or feeling disconnected from their changing peers. Twelve-year-old Annemarie (Shug) is struggling to keep her balance as her best friend Mark starts seeing her differently, her older sister grows distant, and her parents' marriage begins to fracture. The story gently explores the messy reality of growing up, dealing with body image, and finding one's own voice amidst family conflict. While it deals with heavy themes like alcoholism and infidelity, it remains grounded in a 12-year-old's perspective, making it a comforting and normalizing read for those in the thick of the 'tween' years.