First published 1984
The protagonist faces the daily minefield of social interactions that can make or break a teenager's sense of belonging. Simple moments become complex challenges: walking into a crowded cafeteria, joining a conversation already in progress, or figuring out what to say when someone makes a cutting remark. Each encounter tests their growing understanding of unspoken rules and social codes. The story follows their attempts to find genuine connections while avoiding the pitfalls that leave others isolated or embarrassed. Through trial and error, small victories and painful mistakes, they discover that authentic relationships require both courage and vulnerability. At its heart, this is a story about finding your voice in a world that often seems designed to silence it.
Genres: fiction, contemporary, adolescence, social-issues, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
120 pages · Hardcover · Rosen Pub. Group