Ann Herrick Boeken

When Rebecca's mother marries Pres's father, Rebecca is sure that living in the same house with the guy of her dreams will turn her new step-brother into her new love. Even though her best friend, Celeste, warns her to face reality, Rebecca doesn't listen. She thinks Pres is the perfect guy for her! But Celeste's brother, Josh, has been friends with Pres for years, and Celeste thinks she knows what she's talking about. Rebecca's not so sure about her relationship with her new step-father. She knows he can't replace her real dad, but she thinks she can get through to him by helping him with the school play. But things don't go as planned, and as friendships start to change, Rebecca faces surprising truths about herself and her friends. Will she find happiness in her new family and find The Perfect Guy?(This edition is out of print--see new edition of The Perfect Guy.)

Struggling with her past and the embarrassing nickname "Lard Butt," Laura is determined to navigate the challenges of junior high while impressing her swim teammates, particularly the charming Noah. As she confronts her insecurities about body image, she also faces family dynamics, including her mother's newfound domesticity and her father's quirks. Through new friendships and a school dance, Laura learns to embrace risks and negotiate conflicts, all while discovering the complexities of growing up and budding romance. This inspiring story resonates with girls of all ages.