The Long Secret

Reach for this book when your pre-teen starts asking big questions about their changing body, the nature of God, or why friendships suddenly feel so complicated. While it masquerades as a summer mystery, it is actually a profound exploration of the awkward transition into adolescence. It follows Harriet and her friend Beth Ellen as they investigate a series of anonymous religious notes left around their beach town. The story tackles the 'secret' of puberty, specifically menstruation, with a refreshing honesty that was decades ahead of its time. It also explores the contrast between Harriet's bold, caustic personality and Beth Ellen's quiet struggle for autonomy against a neglectful mother. It is a sharp, funny, and deeply realistic choice for children aged 9 to 13 who are beginning to outgrow the simplicity of childhood.