About This Book
This middle grade novel delves into the complexities of first crushes and friendship. Polly Nelson finds herself in a difficult situation, developing feelings for Ollie, who is dating her best friend. Her dilemma deepens when she meets Sam, a seemingly perfect match. The story explores themes of loyalty, honesty, and self-discovery as Polly tries to sort out her feelings and navigate social dynamics at Heartside High. It's a relatable read for children aged 8-12, offering a gentle introduction to romantic feelings and the challenges of interpersonal relationships.
Welcome to Heartside Bay for life, love and everything in between. Polly Nelson is not interested in the boys at Heartside High School. Ollie Wright least of all. He's sports-obsessed, girl-crazy, and way too good looking. Plus, he's dating her best friend. But she just can't stop thinking about him until she meets Sam. Smart, caring and passionate, Sam is just what Polly wants, and it seems like he's interested in her too. But can she forget about Ollie?
Romantic Content
emotional_drama
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Polly feel about Ollie at the beginning of the story? How do her feelings change?
2
What makes Sam seem like a good match for Polly? What are his qualities?
3
How do you think Polly's best friend would feel if she knew about Polly's crush on Ollie?
4
Have you ever had a crush on someone who was 'off-limits'? How did you handle those feelings?
5
What does this book teach us about loyalty and honesty in friendships and relationships?
External Reviews
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