by Jenny Han
First published 2006
Twelve-year-old Shug navigates the shifting tides of middle school, from her best friend's budding romance to her own crush on a boy next door. As she grapples with insecurity and a demanding mother, Shug discovers the power of standing up for herself and embracing who she truly is. A heartwarming coming-of-age story about the courage to be different.
Genres: family-life, coming-of-age, contemporary, adolescence
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
256 pages · Paperback · Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers