Dylan

Reach for this book when your daughter is nursing a bruised ego after a social rejection or feels like she needs to change her entire personality to be noticed. While the story is set against a glamorous Hawaiian backdrop, it speaks directly to the universal middle school desire for reinvention and the awkwardness of trying to master a new skill just to impress a crush. The story follows Dylan as she navigates the sting of being dumped and the pressure of the 'perfect' summer vacation. Parents will appreciate how it explores the difference between authentic interest and performance, even within its lighthearted, fashion-forward tone. It is a breezy read for ages 10 to 14 that validates the intensity of young crushes while gently reminding readers that being oneself is the only sustainable strategy.