Berry Parker Doesn’t Catch Crushes

Gr 5-8–Davis’s latest examines the struggles of finding oneself amid the chaos of middle school. Black girl Berry knows “love is in the air” everywhere, but all she smells is the stench. Change stinks, and this crush nonsense is ruining everything in her life. As seventh grade begins, her best friend Lia is suddenly obsessed with a new crush, throwing all their carefully made plans for their best year ever into disarray. Now Lia is trying to help Berry find a crush of her own, which she definitely does not want. On top of this,, Berry’s divorced parents are both exploring dating, and Berry is worried her mother’s boyfriend will take her out of Berry’s life ­forever. Love, in her opinion, causes ­nothing but change, and that’s terrible. Readers will connect with Berry and her friends as they navigate family ­relationships and explore the onset of romance. ­Davis offers a ­realistic, sensitive portrayal of the emotional ups and downs of this age group, especially for children with divorced ­parents. The author also provides a healthy overview of how it’s challenging, and some days feel just awful; but in the end, a change of perspective may be healing.