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Why Can't I Be You
An honest and utterly charming middle grade story that explores how social class affects friendship.
Claire Ladd knows that this summer is going to be special. She and her two best friends, Ronan and Brianna, are turning twelve. She is leaving camp behind and gets to do what she wants all day. She feels everything starting to change.
But things don’t always change for the better.
With Brianna’s cousin Eden there for the summer, Claire feels like a third wheel. Even though she is only a year older, Eden seems so much more sophisticated and glamorous . . . and when she is around, she takes up everyone’s attention, including Brianna’s. But that doesn’t explain why things have felt awkward with Brianna ever since she moved to a fancy new house, or why Ronan, who lives in the trailer next to Claire’s, has started acting moody anytime anyone mentions his dad.
Claire has always been happy with her life just as it is, but as the summer wears on and the issues with her friends start to grow, she can’t help but wonder whether everything would be better if she could just be someone else.
Claire Ladd knows that this summer is going to be special. She and her two best friends, Ronan and Brianna, are turning twelve. She is leaving camp behind and gets to do what she wants all day. She feels everything starting to change.
But things don’t always change for the better.
With Brianna’s cousin Eden there for the summer, Claire feels like a third wheel. Even though she is only a year older, Eden seems so much more sophisticated and glamorous . . . and when she is around, she takes up everyone’s attention, including Brianna’s. But that doesn’t explain why things have felt awkward with Brianna ever since she moved to a fancy new house, or why Ronan, who lives in the trailer next to Claire’s, has started acting moody anytime anyone mentions his dad.
Claire has always been happy with her life just as it is, but as the summer wears on and the issues with her friends start to grow, she can’t help but wonder whether everything would be better if she could just be someone else.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published June 19, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 24, 2022
This book is really short and sweet and innocent. Read in 2 hours and could not put it down!
July 16, 2020
Claire and her best friend Ronan live next to each other in a trailer park. School just ended and they plan on spending their eleventh summer with their other friend Brianna buying ice cream, exploring the mall, hanging out at the brook, and swimming in Brianna’s pool at her new house. There is some tension regarding Ronan’s family since his father moved back in after being gone for many years. His dad is battling depression and barely moves from the couch which has been causing extra stress on Ronan. He acts differently, becoming more reclusive and shying away from Claire in order to hang out with the popular guys from their grade who make fun of those less than them.
Brianna’s cousin Eden is in town for the summer and Claire feels even more alone with the way Brianna worships Eden just because she is a year older, is tall, skinny, and pretty, comes from a rich family, and hangs out in Nashville with country singers. So with Ronan pulling himself away from Claire and the introduction of popular Eden, Claire finds herself as the outcast and friendless.
Claire was relatable with her fears, thoughts, frustrations, and wishes. She was very down to earth and loved her friends, becoming upset when they pulled away to focus on the popular kids. She struggled with losing her friends and had both her parents there for her to provide adult insight into her situation and offer advice. Like with Claire, I know what it is like to feel isolated from friends which is why I connected to her so much. She grew as a character to accept the unchangeable and let go of former restrictions tying her down.
The only issues I had with this story was how these eleven-year olds owned cell phones and social media accounts when there was no reason for them to. Eden was unbelievable since her twelve/thirteen-year-old self was strutting around in high heels, lipstick, short skirts, and pounds of makeup caked on her face. She was an unlikable character from her haughty attitude to trying to control Brianna’s life and completely ignoring Claire. But besides Eden being the center of attention and into herself, the story was remarkable.
I received an ARC of Why Can’t I Be You from Edelweiss.
Brianna’s cousin Eden is in town for the summer and Claire feels even more alone with the way Brianna worships Eden just because she is a year older, is tall, skinny, and pretty, comes from a rich family, and hangs out in Nashville with country singers. So with Ronan pulling himself away from Claire and the introduction of popular Eden, Claire finds herself as the outcast and friendless.
Claire was relatable with her fears, thoughts, frustrations, and wishes. She was very down to earth and loved her friends, becoming upset when they pulled away to focus on the popular kids. She struggled with losing her friends and had both her parents there for her to provide adult insight into her situation and offer advice. Like with Claire, I know what it is like to feel isolated from friends which is why I connected to her so much. She grew as a character to accept the unchangeable and let go of former restrictions tying her down.
The only issues I had with this story was how these eleven-year olds owned cell phones and social media accounts when there was no reason for them to. Eden was unbelievable since her twelve/thirteen-year-old self was strutting around in high heels, lipstick, short skirts, and pounds of makeup caked on her face. She was an unlikable character from her haughty attitude to trying to control Brianna’s life and completely ignoring Claire. But besides Eden being the center of attention and into herself, the story was remarkable.
I received an ARC of Why Can’t I Be You from Edelweiss.
July 4, 2018
Loved that this is only 198 pages. Just right for my fifth grade girls who like moving up a grade (or to MS) stories that have a bit of girl drama, but still is a great realistic story with life lessons woven without feeling too preachy. Each girl that reads this will be able to relate to some part of it.
December 27, 2021
This book takes me out ofy world and pullse right into the world of Clair Ladd and I love it!
May 12, 2018
'Why Can't I Be You' by Melissa Walker follows main character Claire through the summer when she turns twelve. Even though life should be pretty easy and fun at such a young age, Claire finds herself troubled by issues of friendship and perception. Having lived her life in a trailer park, she has never thought herself less than anyone else, but with more and more not-so-joking statements coming up from kids she goes to school with, she begins to wonder if her life is not as good or normal as she once thought.
Being pretty young still, and not being able to understand that life doesn't have to revolve around where someone lives or how much money they have, Claire lashes out at those close to her, not meaning to hurt them, but trying to find meaning for herself in the issues that are plaguing her. Her best girlfriend, Brianna, has also moved into a new and pretty ritzy home with a fancy new pool and lots of other items that Claire can only wish for, and her other best friend, Ronan, who lives in the trailer park with her, isn't helping to calm her nerves. Rather, he is trying to fit in more with the people who Claire sees as making fun of them, and it makes her question her perception of life in general and what is truly important.
Little does Claire know that not everything is always as it seems, and even those who seem like they have everything together and are living perfect lives are often hiding secrets of their own. Brianna's cousin, Eden, is one of these seemingly perfect people that everyone has known at some point or another in their lives. She is the type of person who drives others crazy with her confidence and certainty in life, but it is important to remember that it is impossible to ever know someone fully, and judgments make coming to understanding with others harder.
It's perfectly normal to wish to be someone else once in a while. Life often seems so much easier from someone else's perspective, hence the "grass is always greener on the other side" phrase. 'Why Can't I Be You' implores readers to better understand how to cope with judgment and perception, and learn how to be happy with life as it is, since everyone's happiness is entirely subjective and dependent on any number of factors. It will help readers be more thoroughly sensitive to not only others, but to their own individual situations.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
Being pretty young still, and not being able to understand that life doesn't have to revolve around where someone lives or how much money they have, Claire lashes out at those close to her, not meaning to hurt them, but trying to find meaning for herself in the issues that are plaguing her. Her best girlfriend, Brianna, has also moved into a new and pretty ritzy home with a fancy new pool and lots of other items that Claire can only wish for, and her other best friend, Ronan, who lives in the trailer park with her, isn't helping to calm her nerves. Rather, he is trying to fit in more with the people who Claire sees as making fun of them, and it makes her question her perception of life in general and what is truly important.
Little does Claire know that not everything is always as it seems, and even those who seem like they have everything together and are living perfect lives are often hiding secrets of their own. Brianna's cousin, Eden, is one of these seemingly perfect people that everyone has known at some point or another in their lives. She is the type of person who drives others crazy with her confidence and certainty in life, but it is important to remember that it is impossible to ever know someone fully, and judgments make coming to understanding with others harder.
It's perfectly normal to wish to be someone else once in a while. Life often seems so much easier from someone else's perspective, hence the "grass is always greener on the other side" phrase. 'Why Can't I Be You' implores readers to better understand how to cope with judgment and perception, and learn how to be happy with life as it is, since everyone's happiness is entirely subjective and dependent on any number of factors. It will help readers be more thoroughly sensitive to not only others, but to their own individual situations.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
January 18, 2022
Real rating 4.9 just not quite a 5 lol
So my first thought when seeing this book is well LOVE!!! I really love this book and I've read some parts(mostly the part where Rohan kisses Claire,Awwwww!)and yeah I like it a lot!!
So me and my family were on a small little road trip (about 2 hours in the car and some times I was not reading)and then I stayed up really late to finish it....I did succeed!!!
So just to sum it up I thinks its a great quick read for girls(boys too,if they want to)ages 10-14 ish? I'm not sure bout the age thing but whatever! I also think that this book is a fast read so if that's what you wanna read then this books for you!!!!
See ya!
So my first thought when seeing this book is well LOVE!!! I really love this book and I've read some parts(mostly the part where Rohan kisses Claire,Awwwww!)and yeah I like it a lot!!
So me and my family were on a small little road trip (about 2 hours in the car and some times I was not reading)and then I stayed up really late to finish it....I did succeed!!!
So just to sum it up I thinks its a great quick read for girls(boys too,if they want to)ages 10-14 ish? I'm not sure bout the age thing but whatever! I also think that this book is a fast read so if that's what you wanna read then this books for you!!!!
See ya!
February 18, 2021
Why cant i be you is about a girl named Claire who goes through struggles, and goes thrugh hard times with her friends.
July 30, 2018
I love to browse the 'New Book' shelves at the local public library. I especially enjoy wandering into the Children's Section because the new book shelves there are always filled with well, new books!
The shelves are labelled by category: Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle-Grade, Non-Fiction, and Biographies. The library's technical processing department adds the appropriate logo sticker to the spine for historical, fantasy, mystery, biography, etc. I love the organization and attention to detail children's librarians give to their presentation of books for their audience--or for grown-ups such as I who love reading from their collection!
This novel is set during summer break and is the first-person narrative of eleven-year-old Claire Ladd. She is the only child of her young parents who divorced when Claire was around two years old.
The main character and her mother live in the Twin Pines Trailer Park, while her father lives in an apartment complex a few minutes away. Claire has regular visitation with her father, and she appears to adore both of her parents.
Claire and her friends are going through the normal tween issues of feeling awkward about the difference between the 'haves and have-nots' as we used to call it. Ronan Michaels, a boy who lives next door to Claire in the trailer park, and Claire spend a lot of time together. Their friendship is long-lasting and strong, but they are both going through some difficult times internally, so they periodically lash out at one another.
Claire's best friend is Brianna Foley whose family is wealthy. The social differences between these two girls is evident, but they have a true bond and most of the time their disparate lifestyles do not seem to have an effect on their relationship.
Things are perking along when Brianna's slightly older cousin, Eden, arrives on the scene. She is almost thirteen and is caught up in the world of fashion, make-up, and being beautiful and cool. Naturally, her presence and domination of Brianna's time make Claire jealous.
Ronan's father suffers from debilitating depression, and Mr. Michaels's inability to relate to his son in any way negatively affects Ronan's feelings about himself and his father. As a classroom teacher for over twenty years, I saw the devastating and profound affect a parent's depression had on a child in more than one instance. I felt the author did an excellent job of addressing this issue in the story. Middle-graders are old enough and sophisticated enough to begin learning about mental health and how it impacts individuals and their families.
Another strong point of this story, in my opinion, was the close relationship Claire has with her mother. It probably helps that Claire helps around the house with chores and appears to be respectful to her mom. Mrs. Ladd is a cleaning woman, and she works six days per week to provide for the two of them.
When mother and daughter are talking they actually listen to each other. When Claire begins gossiping or criticizing others, her mother recites the cleaning lady's motto: "We may know other people's bathrooms, but we don't know their real stories." {page 61}.
Overall, I felt this was an enjoyable story with lots of interesting characters and events. There was some bullying and teasing along the lines of what seems typical in this age group. There are some ruffled feathers and hurt feelings amongst the friends, but I venture to say this is true in friendships at any age. {At least that's been my experience.}
Mostly, this is a story about friendship, letting go of initial impressions, learning to let go of jealousy, and being true to yourself, your family, and your friends. My favorite thing about this book is that kindness prevailed in almost every situation, and I believe this world sorely needs more kindness.
I look forward to reading more middle-grade books written by this talented author.
Recommended to fans of clean middle-grade fiction, friendship stories, stories with an assortment of well-developed and diverse characters, and summertime fiction!
------------------------
Borrowed from the 'New Books' shelves at the local public library.
##############
The shelves are labelled by category: Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle-Grade, Non-Fiction, and Biographies. The library's technical processing department adds the appropriate logo sticker to the spine for historical, fantasy, mystery, biography, etc. I love the organization and attention to detail children's librarians give to their presentation of books for their audience--or for grown-ups such as I who love reading from their collection!
This novel is set during summer break and is the first-person narrative of eleven-year-old Claire Ladd. She is the only child of her young parents who divorced when Claire was around two years old.
The main character and her mother live in the Twin Pines Trailer Park, while her father lives in an apartment complex a few minutes away. Claire has regular visitation with her father, and she appears to adore both of her parents.
Claire and her friends are going through the normal tween issues of feeling awkward about the difference between the 'haves and have-nots' as we used to call it. Ronan Michaels, a boy who lives next door to Claire in the trailer park, and Claire spend a lot of time together. Their friendship is long-lasting and strong, but they are both going through some difficult times internally, so they periodically lash out at one another.
Claire's best friend is Brianna Foley whose family is wealthy. The social differences between these two girls is evident, but they have a true bond and most of the time their disparate lifestyles do not seem to have an effect on their relationship.
Things are perking along when Brianna's slightly older cousin, Eden, arrives on the scene. She is almost thirteen and is caught up in the world of fashion, make-up, and being beautiful and cool. Naturally, her presence and domination of Brianna's time make Claire jealous.
Ronan's father suffers from debilitating depression, and Mr. Michaels's inability to relate to his son in any way negatively affects Ronan's feelings about himself and his father. As a classroom teacher for over twenty years, I saw the devastating and profound affect a parent's depression had on a child in more than one instance. I felt the author did an excellent job of addressing this issue in the story. Middle-graders are old enough and sophisticated enough to begin learning about mental health and how it impacts individuals and their families.
Another strong point of this story, in my opinion, was the close relationship Claire has with her mother. It probably helps that Claire helps around the house with chores and appears to be respectful to her mom. Mrs. Ladd is a cleaning woman, and she works six days per week to provide for the two of them.
When mother and daughter are talking they actually listen to each other. When Claire begins gossiping or criticizing others, her mother recites the cleaning lady's motto: "We may know other people's bathrooms, but we don't know their real stories." {page 61}.
Overall, I felt this was an enjoyable story with lots of interesting characters and events. There was some bullying and teasing along the lines of what seems typical in this age group. There are some ruffled feathers and hurt feelings amongst the friends, but I venture to say this is true in friendships at any age. {At least that's been my experience.}
Mostly, this is a story about friendship, letting go of initial impressions, learning to let go of jealousy, and being true to yourself, your family, and your friends. My favorite thing about this book is that kindness prevailed in almost every situation, and I believe this world sorely needs more kindness.
I look forward to reading more middle-grade books written by this talented author.
Recommended to fans of clean middle-grade fiction, friendship stories, stories with an assortment of well-developed and diverse characters, and summertime fiction!
------------------------
Borrowed from the 'New Books' shelves at the local public library.
##############
July 19, 2018
Walker pulls off a hat trick with a chapter book for middle schoolers that manages to accurately depict class difference, middle school anxieties, and challenging family dynamics for a group of tweens in contemporary America. Told from Claire's perspective, the plot follows her struggle to maintain her relationships with her two best friends - Brianna, who's moved to a posh new house with a pool, leaving Claire and their other friend Ronan behind in the trailer park. Claire is frankly and believably envious of Brianna's lifestyle but most of all, threatened by Brianna's visiting cousin who is thirteen, sophisticated and possibly interested in Ronan in ways Claire is not ready to accept. Meanwhile, Ronan is struggling with his own shame with his family's circumstances, and his resentment of his depressed father's failure to adequately provide for his family. Claire is both proud of her single housecleaner mom and construction worker father, though alarmed the latter is beginning to date again after the divorce. Claire is refreshingly down to earth, not overly complicated but also beginning to realize that life is changing, whether she likes it or not. She is willing to accept help from her parents, who obviously are doing their best for her, and ultimately with their advice, Claire can take responsibility for her own feelings and actions. The ending is happy but without promises that financial and social status won't continue to impact the characters' destinies. Children need more books like this that honestly address the often subtle as well as overt nature of socioeconomic status in America, but also offer hope that honest friendship can overcome most social barriers. One caveat; I don't care for the title which is too simplistic and does not do justice to the more subtle aspects of Claire's class struggle. But it may resonate with some readers, as will the almost too adorable cover.
February 20, 2019
This book’s all ages content is a perfect fit for younger middle grade readers looking to dip their toes into tween-age interpersonal dramas. It would be especially good for younger siblings. Main character, Claire Ladd, discovers in her 11th summer that the people surrounding her are all living more complicated lives than she initially realized. She lives in a trailer park and while her main angst stems from income inequality, the book covers a wide range of dramas that affect kids this age: divorce, budding romance, depression, divergent physical maturity and cell phone inequality. It all fits together organically and the author should be commended for making a book whose drama never feels manufactured.
June 5, 2019
12-year-old Claire lives in a trailer park with her single mom. Her best friend, Ronan, lives next door. Their other best friend, Brianna, recently moved out of the park and into a fancy new house with her parents, and suddenly things have changed. Up until recently, Claire never felt weird about living in a trailer park or having a boy for a best friend, but now she kind of does. Brianna's new house is amazing - it even has a pool! Claire is happy for Brianna, but all of a sudden their trailer seems small and shabby. This novel perfectly captures the awkwardness of adolescence, when friendships are shifting and changing, boys and girls are beginning to pair off, and coolness is of upmost importance.
June 17, 2019
Claire and Ronan are the best of friends and neighbors in Twin Pines Trailer Park. They are gearing up for a pool party hosted by their friend Brianna who just moved to a big, fancy house in a rich neighborhood. Brianna’s cousin Eden convinces her to make it a boy-girl party and her influence doesn’t stop there—tension between Claire and Brianna grows as Eden introduces new clothes, make-up, and social media. Why Can’t I Be You by Melissa Walker is a relatable story about friendships being challenged and how different family dynamics can be. In this tender and honest read voiced by Claire, readers will share her anxious and confused feelings about growing up and feel for her friends, too, as they are each met with unique circumstances and awkward feelings.
November 19, 2020
Okay I can say this is the first book (Maybe if I recall) I ever finished reading in a very short time - 3 days. I do like this book. First reason, it is short and easy to read unlike the rest I'm reading since this book is about 11/12 year-old kids (You know what I mean, it is written in a simple and beautiful way which you don't have to exhaust yourself from analyzing things). Second, I see myself in Claire when I was her age, a 11 year-old girl and it evoked my childhood memory. I believe this is also a good lesson to everyone, especially those who are turning into a teenager. Lastly, the book cover is really lovely and I do recommend it! Thumbs up.
May 30, 2018
A very sweet story. It's meant for younger kids, around end of elementary / beginning of middle school. It can teach perceptive kids several lessons - that change is hard, that it's okay to talk, that it's hard to know everything about anyone, even if you've known them for a long time. Obviously, not the best thing for adults, but I think it would be great for kids.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
July 8, 2018
Why Can't I Be You... 11 year old Claire spends a summer growing up, and realizing that friends change, but true friends will always be there for her. Claire's friends are turning 12, entering 7th grade, and her best friend, Brianna, has an older cousin from Nashville, Eden, visiting. Eden is popular and attracts the attention of Claire's male best friend, Rowan. Claire realizes changes are happening, and she strives to be herself despite all the change around her. Great read.
April 19, 2018
If you have an 11 year old daughter (or close to it) she needs to read this! Sweet story about the summer Brianna and her friends turn 12 and the changes they go through. Talks about issues like divorce, depression, and jealousy in really kid-friendly ways. Comes out in June so keep your eyes open!!!
October 3, 2018
This book presents a good life lesson on dealing with the pressures of a teenage life...the clothes, friends, popularity, mean kids, fitting in...etc. I would recommend this book to any student who felt less than others due to materialistic things, social status, family problems, or anyone who was just feeling frustrated by life changes during middle school.
February 20, 2021
My daughter received this book in a BeTWEEN the Bookends subscription box. I thought it was a well-written story that thoughtfully navigated some heavy topics: depression, economic status, divorce, etc. I could easily relate to the main character and wholeheartedly agree that the best things in life are free! This is a great read for tweens.
June 27, 2024
A great middle grade novel with lots to love. At right under 200 pages, this perfect-length book is a story of friendship surviving despite differences in interests, appearance, and socioeconomic status.
“If you’re okay with your life, everyone else will be too.”
"We are all steaming-hot messes.”
:-)
“If you’re okay with your life, everyone else will be too.”
"We are all steaming-hot messes.”
:-)
July 25, 2018
Melissa Walker does such a wonderful job exploring the complexities of friendship. I love her writing! Also appreciated this book because it deals with socioeconomic differences and how that can impact middle school students.
July 25, 2018
Claire, the main character, is funny and real, and the details of her life in a small-town trailer park are spot-on; they remind me so much of my own small rural hometown. Can't wait to read with my 10- and 12-year-old kids.
July 10, 2019
A likable cast of characters in believable, familiar situations.
Safe to say I am not the target audience for this book, and I probably would have been far more emotionally invested reading this as a tween girl.
Safe to say I am not the target audience for this book, and I probably would have been far more emotionally invested reading this as a tween girl.
July 3, 2018
Another adorable, heartfelt book from Melissa Walker.
July 20, 2018
This was a great realistic fiction book. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
August 15, 2018
I really liked the book. It was really fun to read. I liked how it was easy to think how the character felt about the things that happened is the story.
August 27, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It was a good middle grade read.
September 5, 2018
I think that the book was very interesting.It had many emotions and the book was very detailed
January 11, 2020
Pretty good.
May 7, 2020
Very cute middle grade with just the perfect amount of drama but with a satisfying ending.
August 10, 2018
Like last year's Let's Pretend We Never Met, Why Can't I Be You is another strong and engaging middle grade friendship story from Melissa Walker. Claire and Ronan, who live in the same trailer park, have been friends for a long time, but this summer things feel different. Ronan's dad, who has been away from the family for a while, has now returned, but his mental health is questionable. Claire's other good friend, Breanna, has recently moved to a fancy big house with a pool and other amenities of which Claire can only dream, and she has started hanging around with her cousin, Eden, who acts much more sophisticated than Breanna despite being only one year older. Claire is worried about Ronan, jealous of Breanna and both irritated and fascinated by Eden, and she finds herself feeling more and more isolated as the summer wears on, leading her to question whether it might be easier to be someone else.
As the title suggests, this book focuses a lot on the idea that "the grass is always greener on the other side." Each of the characters sees something desirable in another character's life. Claire longs for Breanna's material goods, while Ronan wishes his dad was more like Claire's. Claire wonders if boys will ever look at her the way they look at Eden, and Breanna longs for the simplicity of her former life, when wealth didn't dictate her family's every move. While the characters each grapple with their desires to be someone else, they miss opportunities to show empathy toward one another and to support each other as friends during their times of difficulty. In middle school, kids often feel as though the events of their lives are completely unique to them, and that everyone around them is perfectly happy and well-adjusted. I appreciate that this book shows that every kid has something that makes them insecure and that recognizing that and seeking to help each other through it is the best way to handle it.
I also thought it was interesting to explore how changes in socioeconomic status can affect friendships at this age. So many middle grade friendship stories exist in a vague middle class universe where the characters seem to have whatever material objects the plot deems necessary. This book felt a little more real because the characters did feel the limitations of their financial situations. It was also nice not to have the novel consumed by a lot of romance. Eden is the only character who seems really interested in dating, and Claire finds this puzzling. Often boy/girl best friendships in books like this devolve into ill-fated dating relationships; the friendship at the heart of this book felt all the more believable because that doesn't happen.
Melissa Walker has really hit a sweet spot at the middle grade level with this believable story of how friendships often change as adolescence hits. I hope there will be more books like this from her in the future! (Thanks to Edelweiss for the digital review copy.)
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
As the title suggests, this book focuses a lot on the idea that "the grass is always greener on the other side." Each of the characters sees something desirable in another character's life. Claire longs for Breanna's material goods, while Ronan wishes his dad was more like Claire's. Claire wonders if boys will ever look at her the way they look at Eden, and Breanna longs for the simplicity of her former life, when wealth didn't dictate her family's every move. While the characters each grapple with their desires to be someone else, they miss opportunities to show empathy toward one another and to support each other as friends during their times of difficulty. In middle school, kids often feel as though the events of their lives are completely unique to them, and that everyone around them is perfectly happy and well-adjusted. I appreciate that this book shows that every kid has something that makes them insecure and that recognizing that and seeking to help each other through it is the best way to handle it.
I also thought it was interesting to explore how changes in socioeconomic status can affect friendships at this age. So many middle grade friendship stories exist in a vague middle class universe where the characters seem to have whatever material objects the plot deems necessary. This book felt a little more real because the characters did feel the limitations of their financial situations. It was also nice not to have the novel consumed by a lot of romance. Eden is the only character who seems really interested in dating, and Claire finds this puzzling. Often boy/girl best friendships in books like this devolve into ill-fated dating relationships; the friendship at the heart of this book felt all the more believable because that doesn't happen.
Melissa Walker has really hit a sweet spot at the middle grade level with this believable story of how friendships often change as adolescence hits. I hope there will be more books like this from her in the future! (Thanks to Edelweiss for the digital review copy.)
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
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