How to Be a Girl in the World

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?

• An Empowering Story for Girls: Follow twelve-year-old Lydia as she learns that her body is her own, and she is the one who makes the rules about who can touch it.
• Bodily Autonomy and Consent: A nuanced exploration of the confusing gray areas of unwanted physical contact, from comments at school to a hug from a parent’s boyfriend that lasts a little too long.
• Navigating Friendships and Family: Lydia struggles with friends who think she should be flattered by the attention, a well-meaning mom who doesn’t see the problem, and a creepy step-parent figure.
• A Must-Read for Social Emotional Learning: Tackles tough but important topics like sexual harassment, gaslighting, and discovering self-worth in a way that is accessible and deeply resonant for middle grade readers.

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 Truth, My 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.