Description

From the critically acclaimed author of the ALA Notable and Charlotte Huck Honor Book Forever, or a Long, Long Time comes a poignant coming-of-age novel about the complicated parts of growing up, finding your voice, and claiming your space. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead, Laurel Snyder, or Ali Benjamin!

Lydia hasn’t felt comfortable in her own skin since the boys at her school started commenting on the way she looks in her uniform. Her cousin and friends think she should be flattered, but the boys—and sometimes her mom’s boyfriend, Jeremy—make Lydia uncomfortable and confused. Even more confusing is when Jeremy hovers too close and hugs a little too long.

Then her mom surprises her by buying a dilapidated house in their neighborhood. Lydia hopes to find a little bit of magic in their new home. But just like the adults in her life, and God, and her friends, the magic Lydia deeply believes in eventually loses its power to keep her safe.

And as seventh grade begins, Lydia wonders: Is there a secret to figuring out how to be a girl in the world?


  • Dealing with Tough Topics: A sensitive and honest look at a young girl learning about bodily autonomy, unwanted attention, and what to do when an adult feels unsafe.
  • Complicated Family Dynamics: Lydia navigates life with her well-meaning single mom, a live-in cousin who feels more like a rival, and her mom’s creepy new boyfriend in the house.
  • Navigating Friendships: As the boys at school change, so do the girls. Lydia has to figure out how to talk to her friends when they don’t understand why the boys' attention makes her feel scared, not flattered.
  • An Emotional Journey: Readers will root for Lydia as she finds her strength in the most unexpected place—a rundown house that might just hold the answers she’s been looking for.

About the author(s)

Caela Carter is a writer and an educator. She is a graduate of the New School’s MFA program in writing for children. She has written three books for middle grade readers: One Speck of TruthMy Life with the Liars, and Forever, or a Long, Long Time, which received three starred reviews, among other accolades. Caela lives in Brooklyn with her family. You can visit her online at www.caelacarter.com.

Reviews

"An unflinching, unputdownable story. Heartbreaking and ultimately empowering, this book should be read by every kid as well as the adults who care about them.”  - Anne Ursu, author of Breadcrumbs and The Real Boy

“Timely, brave, and bold. A necessary book for readers of all ages. Impossible to put down and impossible to stop thinking about, this book is more  than special—it is vital. Readers will feel seen and heard—the truest gift a book can give us.”  - Corey Ann Haydu, author of Eventown and The Someday Suitcase

"This ambitious novel covers significant, rarely explored ground. This is sure to ignite mother-daughter book club debates." - Kirkus Reviews

“The uneasiness Lydia feels with unwanted male attention and peers who suggest that she should covet it sends a powerful message about the male gaze and the importance of individual consent.”  - Publishers Weekly

"Carter crafts a powerful novel about sexual harassment and the adults who often diminish or ignore it. Carter does a good job in addressing the topics of sexual assault and consent. This novel leaves readers with an important message about sexual harassment. An excellent addition to middle grade collections." - School Library Journal (starred review)

“Carter has crafted a realistic coming-of-age story of empowerment, and Lydia’s experiences teach readers that it’s important to speak up—even about loved ones—and ask for help.” - Booklist

More by Caela Carter

More Adolescence & Coming of Age

More Social Themes

More Juvenile Fiction

More Sexual Abuse

More Girls & Women

More Parents

More Family

More Friendship

More Emotions & Feelings

More New Experience

More Dating & Relationships

More Strangers

More Blended Families