Counting to Perfect

Cassie’s life has changed in some very big ways, but she didn’t really have anything to do with those changes. Her older sister, Julia, with whom Cassie had always been very close, had an unplanned baby during her senior year. After years of total support from her family, Cassie finds herself at her swim meets with no parents or sister cheering her on. More than that, one of her best friends and swim team member is no longer allowed to come to Cassie’s house. While Cassie loves her little niece, Addie, she misses the way things were. Julia decides she and Addie are going on a road trip, and Cassie is invited along, but it is to be a secret from their parents.

There are not a lot of sister stories in middle-grade books, so this is refreshing. Also, having an intact family is a welcome change. That said, this book seems to be stuck in the 1960s in terms of the reactions to the teen pregnancy, even though it has a contemporary setting. Author Suzanne LaFleur is a masterful writer with great style, well-rounded characters, credible dialogue, and a compelling story. Young readers will like this.