It's the 1970s, and Lucy can’t imagine anything worse than being a giant with the last name of Small . . . unless it’s entering junior high: a whole new set of kids with the same old jokes. Even worse, her dad has headed out of town to “find himself.” At least she still has Jake, the friend she’s been with since forever. And when school begins, they get each other through everything, from the humiliation of stinking at basketball (Lucy) to the agonies of Mom’s new boyfriend (Jake). Then Jake starts hanging out with resident bad boy Gary Geary. Lucy can’t help worrying about Jake, but somehow her heart races every time Gary looks her in the eye.

Despite everything, Lucy and Jake know they can count on each other . . . until their friendship is tested in an unexpected way. Will they be able to stick together? Or is junior high when things change for good? This fastpaced, entertaining, humorous story about friendship and loyalty vividly captures the highs and lows of growing up.

• September 2009 Indie Next List
• August 2009 Indie Next List
• July 2009 Indie Next List