Twelve-year-old Shelby spends the summer at her family's cabin on the Oregon coast. Her cousin, Kirsten, who's thirteen seems to have grown up over the past year, and Shelby struggles with whether she wants to grow up and be pretty and have a boyfriend, or whether she wants everything to just stay the same. Also, a slick guy who's 'in real estate' and his daughter, Tanya, build a big house nearby and try to block off a road so he can build condos.
A very realistic book about the 'awkward stage' with three young girls who are at different points in the stage. Their mothers add an interesting perspective, as well.
Recommended for ages 8-13. ( )