  | Keep it together, Keiko Carter Author: Florence, Debbi Michiko | |
| Price: $22.58 | ||
Summary:
Keiko, Audrey, and Jenna have always been best friends, and Keiko desperately wants it to stay that way, but now they are starting seventh grade, and everything seems to be changing; Audrey is obsessed with the idea of them all securing boyfriends, but when she and Jenna focus on the same boy their friendship starts to break apart--and then Keiko finds herself attracted to Audrey's brother, Conner (who has generally been cast as the enemy), and suddenly she finds herself having to choose between the two.
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| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 3.80 Points: 7.0 Quiz: 508844 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (03/01/20)
School Library Journal (05/01/20)
Booklist (04/01/20)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 04/01/2020 Keiko Carter and her best friends, Audrey and Jenna, are starting seventh grade. To reinvent themselves for the new school year, Audrey suggests that the girls find boyfriends in time for their school’s annual Fall Ball. Audrey and Jenna's strained relationship begins to unravel when both girls realize they like the same boy. Coupled with that, Keiko’s parents are fighting, and she begins to have feelings for Audrey’s maligned brother, Conner. Ever the fixer, Keiko decides to help her friends and family salvage their relationships, but she struggles to accept that sometimes even the best and longest of friendships must end if continuing them means you are not being true to yourself. Tween and teen relationships are explored in this charming middle-grade story by Florence. This book would be a solid recommendation for young readers looking for lighthearted romance but not ready for more mature YA content. Fans of 11 Before 12 (2017), by Lisa Greenwald, and 11 Birthdays (2009), by Wendy Mass, will enjoy this book as well. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 05/01/2020 Gr 5–8—With besties Audrey and Jenna by her side, Keiko Carter is looking forward to seventh grade, envisioning awesome clubs, school dances, and more independence. But reality is not as sweet. Keiko's friend group unravels when both Jenna and Audrey develop a crush on the same guy. Her family is changing, with her Mom working longer hours and her sister sneaking out. After spending time with Audrey's older brother Conner and his pals, Keiko finds herself questioning the qualities of a true friend. Florence's tween drama will resonate with its audience. Through Keiko's narration, readers experience her thoughts and conversations, but will also see beyond Keiko's clouded perspective to a more authentic view of her friends. At times the author's inclusion of background information, such as Keiko's odd relationship with her alcoholic grandfather, seem out of place, perhaps a failed attempt to add depth. The novel's ending feels abrupt as the plot spins to focus more on Keiko's new dog and relationship with Conner, never resolving her friendships. This sudden ending also obscures the central plot point of a potential romantic relationship, leaving readers with many loose ends and no contemplation from Keiko. VERDICT Overall, this novel will interest teens thirsty for drama, but little more. Recommended strictly for libraries needing to expand their realistic fiction collection.—Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis School, Salt Lake City - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
