I think that young middle school readers might relate to the romantic crushes that the characters experience. It was an easy read. The book's characters perpetuate a certain standard of beauty (blonde hair; skinny, size two; white) that some young adults may not find relative to themselves. The dialogue and word choices (e.g. keen) were a little dated. Although the story addresses the pressures of wanting to fit in, it also sent the message that it is alright to keep up appearances and lie if you must in order to be perceived as cool. ( )