Synopsis
Winnie Perry is a teenager—at last! And it’s a really big deal. A ginormous deal, which, wouldn’t you know it, brings ginormous problems along with it. Winnie’s bff #1 is growing up too slowly, while her bff #2 is growing up too fast, leaving Winnie stuck in the middle. Winnie’s boyfriend, Lars, is fabulous— except when he’s not. And as for Winnie’s family, well, big changes are in the air! Beloved author Lauren Myracle returns with first kisses and near misses for everyone’s favorite birthday girl.
Children's Literature
Winnie celebrates her 13th birthday with two friends by having cosmetic makeovers at the mall, and she continues to mature and experience many new things over the next year. Winnie's feelings are typical of a 13-year-old. Although she thinks about tongue-kissing and breast implants, she can still have fun making s'mores and sliding down water slides. With her older sister as a role model, she can ask her about boys and dating, and she, in turn, helps her younger brother, Ty, with his six-year-old issues. This is the year of her first boyfriend and first kiss—hesitant and shy she ducks away when Lars gets close, but he is persistent and after being uncomfortable initially, she melts into the warmth and pleasure of his closeness. She can be empathetic and decides to donate her hair to "Locks of Love," (because of a boy in Ty's class who has leukemia), but needs to let it grow for six more months so it's not too short when it is cut. This is a story of love and compassion, good family values, teenage angst and jealousy, faithful friends and happiness. Thirteen is the sequel to Twelve. Reviewer: Janet L. Rose