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Best Friends, Bikinis, and Other Summer Catastrophes
For fans of Barbara Dee and Shannon Hale, this poignant coming-of-age middle grade novel explores the ups and down of best friends, crushes, and backyard projects during a summer full of changes and possibilities.
Alex has always known her best friend and next-door neighbor, Will, will be there for her. That’s just how it’s always been. Until a girl from the pool named Rebekah comes over to them and says hi. Suddenly, Will is changing his clothes, restyling his hair, and breaking all their summer plans and Alex is not happy about it.
Every summer, she and Will come up with a new challenge. This year, it’s a treehouse. Now Alex is wrangling up summer jobs and keeping tabs on the new girl, hoping that in completing their treehouse, she can keep from losing her best friend and her summer from falling apart.
Alex has always known her best friend and next-door neighbor, Will, will be there for her. That’s just how it’s always been. Until a girl from the pool named Rebekah comes over to them and says hi. Suddenly, Will is changing his clothes, restyling his hair, and breaking all their summer plans and Alex is not happy about it.
Every summer, she and Will come up with a new challenge. This year, it’s a treehouse. Now Alex is wrangling up summer jobs and keeping tabs on the new girl, hoping that in completing their treehouse, she can keep from losing her best friend and her summer from falling apart.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2022
10 people are currently reading
1870 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 12, 2025
This was a short, but sweet tween ya book. It follows after Alex and her best friend, Will during the summer and a girl named Rebekah comes into the picture.
At first glance, it seems like she’s trying to take Will from Alex, but she does want to be both of their friend. Alex is just upset, frustrated, and jealous thinking that Rebekah is trying to steal Will away from her.
I didn’t really like Rebekah at the start of the book just because of the way it seemed, but she got better towards the end.
And even though it seems like Will likes Rebekah the entire book, I think he had a little bit of undecided/unknown feelings for Alex in my opinion.
It wasn’t exactly what I read anymore, but it was still good.
At first glance, it seems like she’s trying to take Will from Alex, but she does want to be both of their friend. Alex is just upset, frustrated, and jealous thinking that Rebekah is trying to steal Will away from her.
I didn’t really like Rebekah at the start of the book just because of the way it seemed, but she got better towards the end.
And even though it seems like Will likes Rebekah the entire book, I think he had a little bit of undecided/unknown feelings for Alex in my opinion.
It wasn’t exactly what I read anymore, but it was still good.
August 26, 2022
Best Friends, Bikinis, and Other Summer Catastrophes is a terrific summery middle grade book about evolving friendships, growing up, and adjusting to changes. This is one of my favorite books this year and one of the rare ones I wish I could experience for the first time again since I’m not so big on re-reading. It features everything from tween crushes, grandparent bonding, summer jobs, and fun sibling relationships. Highly, highly recommend!
July 14, 2022
Oh, that hard first time when you realize another girl might like like your best friend and buddy. Body image, not as in overweight, but as in growing a bust line, is an issue for Alex. (Why are girls responsible to the way boys act react to their clothing!?!) Friendships evolve, family dynamics change; all part of growing up. Love the ending. Very realistic and down to earth.
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March 6, 2022Pitch perfect middle grade exploring the awkward transitions of middle school.
August 30, 2022
*I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.*
This book made me smile, made me want to cry, and made me cringe in disgust (I mean, come on, Will. Close your mouth when you eat! lol)
But this was delightful. The author really captured the middle school, pre-pubescent brain. Alex was completely believable and I loved the different waves of emotion she went through in this book. From jealousy to anger to betrayal to confusion and many, many more. It was like changes were happening so fast, she got whiplash. And while some of the bad things that happened were her fault due to her reactions, they were all so real. I loved that Alex learned throughout and even took responsibility for her actions (even if it did take Rebekah chewing her out for it).
I never once felt like these kids were babied or written as anything less than full human beings. People see 12-year-olds and think they can't do anything. But they can. They can have responsibilities, relationships, feelings, and more!
Great job to the author for making this realistic book that many pre-teens and teenagers will cherish and see glimpses of themselves in.
This book made me smile, made me want to cry, and made me cringe in disgust (I mean, come on, Will. Close your mouth when you eat! lol)
But this was delightful. The author really captured the middle school, pre-pubescent brain. Alex was completely believable and I loved the different waves of emotion she went through in this book. From jealousy to anger to betrayal to confusion and many, many more. It was like changes were happening so fast, she got whiplash. And while some of the bad things that happened were her fault due to her reactions, they were all so real. I loved that Alex learned throughout and even took responsibility for her actions (even if it did take Rebekah chewing her out for it).
I never once felt like these kids were babied or written as anything less than full human beings. People see 12-year-olds and think they can't do anything. But they can. They can have responsibilities, relationships, feelings, and more!
Great job to the author for making this realistic book that many pre-teens and teenagers will cherish and see glimpses of themselves in.
November 17, 2022
I've been reading tons of middle-grade novels for the Cybils awards. Most of them deal with really heavy subject matter—from poverty to parental abandonment to bullying to abuse to confusion about gender and sexual orientation to racism to sexual molestation and much more. The ordinariness of the problems dealt with in BEST FRIENDS, BIKINIS, AND OTHER SUMMER CATASTROPHES felt like a breath of fresh air! All (or at least most) pre-teens can relate to friend drama, feeling jealous of another kid, and/or grieving the death of a beloved family member. All of these challenges felt realistic and relevant, without ever seeming inconquerable or life-threatening. With characters who talked and acted like real 12 year olds and everyday challenges, this might be the most authentic MG book I've read lately! While it's true that this novel doesn't dig very deep or make a huge impression, it's a quick, easy read that kids will find enjoyable. The characters are likable, the plot is enaging, and the story teaches some good, subtle lessons about friendship, the inevitability of change, working hard to achieve a goal, etc. It's not the most unique or memorable book in the world, but BEST FRIENDS, BIKINIS, AND OTHER SUMMER CATASTROPHES is a solid read. If I could, I would give it 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
May 31, 2022
Such a cute middle grade book. It has all the summer things - pool days, summer jobs, ice cream, hot dogs, friendships. It’s a story about that awkward transition that we can all relate to in middle school. The main character is worried she is losing her male best friend to a pretty girl in a bikini that he’s suddenly acting weird around. This is such a relatable story and a delightful one to stick in your bag to read by the pool.
February 27, 2022
This is a perfect middle-grade novel for the girl who doesn’t fit the girly stereotype, the one who feels a little lost in who she is and where her life is going. Alex is worried about what is happening with her relationship with her best friend and the new girl that seems to be stealing him from her. The main character is NOT focused on impressing the boy and dating him, she just wants to keep her friend, and not feel left out, which makes this extremely relatable for middle schoolers. The characters are realistic, the problems are natural and relatable, and the ending is perfect.
October 30, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Alex and Will are neighbors and have been friends forever. For Alex, Will is more like a fourth brother (she has an annoying older one who doesn't do his share around the house, and two loud younger ones), and they spend a lot of time planning to build a treehouse and hanging out at the pool. When classmate Rebekah approaches them at the pool one day, Alex is not happy to see that Will lights up in her presence and wants to impress her, even if it means leaving Alex abruptly. Rebekah wears a bikini and makes her friend seem very different. Alex isn't jealous; she's worried. She and Will decide to finally build their own treehouse, and line up work doing odd jobs for neighbors, like painting Ms. Tanner's garage door or picking up dog poop for another neighbor. They slowly save their money so that Alex's father, a contractor, can help them buy additional supplies. When Will insists that they bike all the way to a fancier neighborhood to try to line up jobs, Alex isn't happy to realize that one of the houses they approach is where Alex lives. She's even less thrilled that Rebekah is in the babysitting class her parents are forcing her to take before they will pay her for watching her younger brothers. Rebekah is really nice to her, though, and really seems to want to be her friend, too. She even understands why it's so hard to watch her widowed grandfather hanging out with Ms. Tanner. As the summer progresses and Will and Rebekah spend more time together, will Alex be able to navigate the new nature of her friendships?
Strengths: I would LOVE to see a sequel of this one, and I'm not a huge fan of series. It reminded me in the best way of Anne Emery's Dinny Gordon or Weber's Beany Malone. Alex has a lot of autonomy because her mother is a therapist who works from home, and she is allowed to make her own way around her Illinois neighborhood in an updated and realistic way. The babysitting course is great, and it's fun that Will's mother runs the concession stand at the pool. Alex has to step in to help at home a lot, and the tension between her older brother, who works outside the home and doesn't feel like he needs to help out at home. The fact that Will and Alex know that building a tree house will involve the cost of more than just scrap lumber is great, and the way they go about looking for work is perfect. I would have let my own children proceed in this manner. With all of that good stuff, it gets even better when Rebekah enters the scene. She's NOT a mean girl, and does try to include Alex when she approaches Will, but Alex is the one who isn't very nice. Of course, her jealousy is understandable and complicated; she's not interested in Will romantically, but doesn't want to lose him. Rebekah really tries to befriend Alex, and eventually does voice her frustration, and the two work things out. Then, there's the whole issue with Ms. Tanner and Pops... so, so good!
Weaknesses: I am not at all a fan of the cover. It's too... pastel. It should involve more green (and perhaps a treehouse), since the kids spend so much time outside. The title makes it sound like a really girly title, and I would love to see the boys in my school read this one, too. I know, I know; all books for all children, but a different cover would really help me convince some of my readers of this.
What I really think: Definitely buying a copy and can't wait to hand this to students. I wish I could see more books like this, where children have agency and interests and face smaller but important problems with support and optimism.
Alex and Will are neighbors and have been friends forever. For Alex, Will is more like a fourth brother (she has an annoying older one who doesn't do his share around the house, and two loud younger ones), and they spend a lot of time planning to build a treehouse and hanging out at the pool. When classmate Rebekah approaches them at the pool one day, Alex is not happy to see that Will lights up in her presence and wants to impress her, even if it means leaving Alex abruptly. Rebekah wears a bikini and makes her friend seem very different. Alex isn't jealous; she's worried. She and Will decide to finally build their own treehouse, and line up work doing odd jobs for neighbors, like painting Ms. Tanner's garage door or picking up dog poop for another neighbor. They slowly save their money so that Alex's father, a contractor, can help them buy additional supplies. When Will insists that they bike all the way to a fancier neighborhood to try to line up jobs, Alex isn't happy to realize that one of the houses they approach is where Alex lives. She's even less thrilled that Rebekah is in the babysitting class her parents are forcing her to take before they will pay her for watching her younger brothers. Rebekah is really nice to her, though, and really seems to want to be her friend, too. She even understands why it's so hard to watch her widowed grandfather hanging out with Ms. Tanner. As the summer progresses and Will and Rebekah spend more time together, will Alex be able to navigate the new nature of her friendships?
Strengths: I would LOVE to see a sequel of this one, and I'm not a huge fan of series. It reminded me in the best way of Anne Emery's Dinny Gordon or Weber's Beany Malone. Alex has a lot of autonomy because her mother is a therapist who works from home, and she is allowed to make her own way around her Illinois neighborhood in an updated and realistic way. The babysitting course is great, and it's fun that Will's mother runs the concession stand at the pool. Alex has to step in to help at home a lot, and the tension between her older brother, who works outside the home and doesn't feel like he needs to help out at home. The fact that Will and Alex know that building a tree house will involve the cost of more than just scrap lumber is great, and the way they go about looking for work is perfect. I would have let my own children proceed in this manner. With all of that good stuff, it gets even better when Rebekah enters the scene. She's NOT a mean girl, and does try to include Alex when she approaches Will, but Alex is the one who isn't very nice. Of course, her jealousy is understandable and complicated; she's not interested in Will romantically, but doesn't want to lose him. Rebekah really tries to befriend Alex, and eventually does voice her frustration, and the two work things out. Then, there's the whole issue with Ms. Tanner and Pops... so, so good!
Weaknesses: I am not at all a fan of the cover. It's too... pastel. It should involve more green (and perhaps a treehouse), since the kids spend so much time outside. The title makes it sound like a really girly title, and I would love to see the boys in my school read this one, too. I know, I know; all books for all children, but a different cover would really help me convince some of my readers of this.
What I really think: Definitely buying a copy and can't wait to hand this to students. I wish I could see more books like this, where children have agency and interests and face smaller but important problems with support and optimism.
July 20, 2022
This is a solid slice-of-life novel that will appeal primarily to middle school girls. It deals with lots of different transitions and struggles for middle schoolers, so it won't necessarily have thematic appeal for a younger crowd, but there's no objectionable content, and younger kids who are reading at a higher levels and are intrigued by human nature may also enjoy this.
This book offers interesting (but often frustrating) family dynamics, efforts to earn money for a treehouse, time at the pool, and a strong male/female friendship dynamic. Although much of the drama flows from the main character resenting her friend's sudden interest in a girl, I appreciate how the book portrays male/female friendship without assuming that guy and girl friends must inevitably fall for each other. The main character's jealousy has to do with time and attention, not her own romantic interest.
My overall enjoyment of this book was more like three stars, since the dynamics brought back gut-churning angst from when I was in high school, dealing with different friend problems that still mapped onto the overall emotional dynamics. However, even though I didn't love this, it's a good story, and I would recommend it to the target audience and adults who enjoy wholesome, emotionally complex children's books.
This book offers interesting (but often frustrating) family dynamics, efforts to earn money for a treehouse, time at the pool, and a strong male/female friendship dynamic. Although much of the drama flows from the main character resenting her friend's sudden interest in a girl, I appreciate how the book portrays male/female friendship without assuming that guy and girl friends must inevitably fall for each other. The main character's jealousy has to do with time and attention, not her own romantic interest.
My overall enjoyment of this book was more like three stars, since the dynamics brought back gut-churning angst from when I was in high school, dealing with different friend problems that still mapped onto the overall emotional dynamics. However, even though I didn't love this, it's a good story, and I would recommend it to the target audience and adults who enjoy wholesome, emotionally complex children's books.
April 30, 2022
School has been out for 32 days and soon to be eighth graders, Alex and her best friend, Will have already completed plenty of adventures. Today they need to decide what their next summer challenge will be. Everything is going great at the pool, just as usual, until suddenly Rebekah (one of the popular girls and dressed in a cute green bikini) appears and asks if they want to get ice cream. Will can’t jump at the offer fast enough and Alex is left to wonder what just happened. And that’s how summer catastrophe number one begins.
This story about a soon to be eighth grader facing the challenges of growing up will be a familiar one to MG readers. It’s set in the best season of the year when anything seems possible. It’s about first crushes, changing friends, feeling left behind by your BFF and fitting in. Finally, it’s about losing someone and facing the fact that though you’ll always love them, it’s okay to find happiness once again.
This is a perfect book for a MG summer reading list (did you notice the cover?!). Many thanks to the author and the publisher for the review copy of this great MG summer read.
This story about a soon to be eighth grader facing the challenges of growing up will be a familiar one to MG readers. It’s set in the best season of the year when anything seems possible. It’s about first crushes, changing friends, feeling left behind by your BFF and fitting in. Finally, it’s about losing someone and facing the fact that though you’ll always love them, it’s okay to find happiness once again.
This is a perfect book for a MG summer reading list (did you notice the cover?!). Many thanks to the author and the publisher for the review copy of this great MG summer read.
May 9, 2023
Thank you Goodreads for giving me this book in a giveaway.
A cute little story of neighbors who are best friends and the summer before eighth grade. It’s always been the two of them swimming at the pool, riding bikes and having a summer challenge. Alexandria and Will are trying to do odd jobs to earn money to build a tree house.
It’s also the summer of change. A bikini wearing girl gets Will’s attention. Alexandria’s grandfather is trying to get rid of his dead wife’s things.
They paint a widow’s garage and scoop poop to earn money for ice cream and supplies for their tree house.
Changes and growing up are covered in this story. Emotions of not fitting in, responsibility, sadness over losses of family member, making new friends and forgiveness.
A cute little story of neighbors who are best friends and the summer before eighth grade. It’s always been the two of them swimming at the pool, riding bikes and having a summer challenge. Alexandria and Will are trying to do odd jobs to earn money to build a tree house.
It’s also the summer of change. A bikini wearing girl gets Will’s attention. Alexandria’s grandfather is trying to get rid of his dead wife’s things.
They paint a widow’s garage and scoop poop to earn money for ice cream and supplies for their tree house.
Changes and growing up are covered in this story. Emotions of not fitting in, responsibility, sadness over losses of family member, making new friends and forgiveness.
July 29, 2022
This was one of those middle grade books that is just very simple and classic as far as plots go: boy and girl have been best friends and next door neighbors since toddlers; new girl comes along; boy gets crush on new girl; best friend gets jealous and tries to sabotage the blossoming relationship between new girl and boy; girl realizes that new girl is pretty nice and would make a good friend after all; girl and boy realize that they will alway be bff. Throw in some interesting family dynamics like a grandpa who is starting to date after being widowed, and crazy younger twin brothers, etc. Just a nice, fun, realistic fiction book that lots of kids will relate to.
November 16, 2022
This is the type of book that middle school me would have loved! Alex's best friend is her neighbor Will, and she always looks forward to spending summers with him. After a girl at the pool comes and talks to him, Will starts dressing differently and seems more concerned about running into Rebekah than their usual plans. Alex is determined to keep her friendship intact and enjoy her summer with Will.
Lots to like about this one - friendship, family, grandparents, crushes, summer fun and work, and growing up. I liked how Alex comes to see that sometimes what you see on the outside isn't always what's going on in a person's life.
Great for 5th-8th grade readers!
Lots to like about this one - friendship, family, grandparents, crushes, summer fun and work, and growing up. I liked how Alex comes to see that sometimes what you see on the outside isn't always what's going on in a person's life.
Great for 5th-8th grade readers!
July 27, 2022
This is a cute coming-of-age story perfect for tweens or early teens. It is a fast read and I am sure the youngsters will have no trouble relating to it! It tells the story of Alex and Will, best friends until another girl shows up and draws Will's attention. It also tells a bit about family and moving on. Thanks to Goodreads giveaways and the publisher for a copy of this book.
February 22, 2022
This novel is a gem and reminded me of my late tween years as I tried to make sense of the world around me. This story will be even more relatable to kids who are currently experiencing growing pains (physical and emotional). The realistic storyline, with real characters and just enough tension, is what makes a middle grade story like this one a winner.
September 2, 2022
Fairly straightforward summer read for middle grade about coping with changing friendships and other relationships. I did like the bonus body positivity discussion between the two female main characters.
March 3, 2025
This was my one of my fave books evaaaaa! It is so heart warming when in the end they’re all friends 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ honestly I recommend this book 💯% oki bya~~ guys and thx for reading! 👯♀️, 👙& other 🌞💥 ( best friends, bikinis and other summer catastrophes!) 💖💖💗💗💞💞💕💝💖💕💞💓💗💝
May 28, 2022
Such a sweet middle grade novel that does a good job of highlighting the awkwardness of middle school transitions and friendship shifts.
June 17, 2022
Love everything about this! This is going to be easy to book talk so I’ll need multiple copies. Such a fun summer read!
Book talk 7th and 8th.
Book talk 7th and 8th.
July 10, 2022
Cute story about relationships changing and evolving - friendships, family relationships, etc.
November 9, 2022
This book is great! It made me feel really happy. I love the author’s writing and can’t wait to read her other books
April 18, 2023
Very light reading. Ideal when your brain is fryed
June 29, 2023
More proof that 7th grade is the pits! Great for readers going through friendship upheavals.
Grades 5 and up.
Grades 5 and up.
February 2, 2024
Good quick read for around the age of 10-12
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July 20, 2024I definitely felt for Alex.
April 2, 2025
Almost four stars. It was just too long
September 21, 2025
A fun and heartwarming story about friendship and navigating the changes that come with middle school. the characters felt real and relatable!
February 28, 2022
Looooved it. Kristi blends the cringy moments between life-long friends when an intruder in a bikini comes onto the scene. She's always so good at the emotion and inner voicy thoughts of her main characters. Love love love her stuff. Yes, I'm biased.
Read it to my twelve-year old daughter, too. And she loved the real tension between the three of them. She passed it on to friends at school. Always the best compliment.
Read it to my twelve-year old daughter, too. And she loved the real tension between the three of them. She passed it on to friends at school. Always the best compliment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews