Not If You Break Up with Me First

Gr 5 Up–This middle grade novel dives into tween relationships, family, and what it means to be a friend. Andrew and Eve have been best friends for as long as they can remember. When eighth grade starts, they realize it is against the unwritten rules for boys and girls to be friends—everyone decides they must be soulmates, instead. Through a funny turn of events, they inadvertently end up together, in a relationship that neither one of them really wants. Now the only way to save their friendship is to make the other one break up with them—but that is easier said than done! Miller authentically captures the awkwardness and high jinks of middle school. Each situation feels genuine, and readers will stay engaged while not knowing if they are cheering for Andrew and Eve to break up or stay together. These relatable characters value the friendship they have built but are influenced by a large cast of secondary characters. This coming-of-age story will stay with everyone who reads it.