BEST FRIENDS, BIKINIS, AND OTHER SUMMER CATASTROPHES

During the summer before eighth grade, Alex experiences challenging changes.

One day at the pool, her longtime best friend, Will, suddenly becomes interested in Rebekah, a popular, well-off girl from school. Alex starts to wonder about body image and wearing a bikini, like Rebekah does. She rejects Rebekah’s friendly overtures, not trusting that Rebekah might genuinely like her company, too. She resents Will’s efforts to attract Rebekah but also worries that Rebekah may be toying with Will’s affections. Alex is also upset about other aspects of her life. She feels that her mother, a busy therapist, expects too much in terms of household chores, caring for her younger brothers, and forcing her to take a babysitting class to get other jobs. Alex has a great relationship with her dad, however, and he helps her build a treehouse with Will, a project she hopes will keep Will away from Rebekah. Will and Alex must earn money to buy materials, industriously finding odd neighborhood jobs like painting and picking up dog poop. As the summer slips by, things improve on many fronts for Alex, from friendships to family relationships. Containing some limited dramatic tension, this realistic story about tween emotional swings reads easily and rings true. Characters in this suburban town are presumed White.

An enjoyable read about changing friendships and responsibilities.