A charming story about the trials of middle school relationships and figuring out what really matters, The Pages Between Us by Lindsey Leavitt and Robin Mellom captures all the magic — and challenges — of navigating new experiences and new friendships.
Told in letters, posters, blog posts, homework assignments, and more, The Pages Between Us is a totally fun, totally earnest snapshot of middle grade friendship—and what it truly means to be there for someone during the ups, downs, and everything in between.
Piper and Olivia have been best friends since…well, forever. But they’re distressed to find that their new middle school schedules aren’t giving them enough together-time. Luckily, an idea sparks when Piper finds a cute, sparkly notebook to disguise as her “French Class” homework. It’s genius—now the two BFFs can stick together all the time. And document their adventures—you know, for anthropology’s sake.
But as the two navigate the tricky new world of sixth grade, they realize that they may need to branch out more than they originally thought. Their notebook, once a life raft, begins to feel like a big responsibility. Can they grow up, without growing apart?
The narrative in The Pages Between Us is really what makes this book shine. Leavitt and Mellom have a natural repartee that lends itself perfectly to their alternating voices, as we see Piper and Olivia exchange notes over the beginning of their middle school careers.
The two authors have perfectly captured the awkward and uncomfortable feelings that accompany middle school; that horrible in-between stage when you’re not a little kid anymore, but not quite a teenager. When you want to hold onto your childhood while also trying to act like an adult. And of course, that transitory phase when you’re trying to figure out who you are: which group you fit in with, what activities and passions you want to pursue, how you want to dress and look and behave.
What I loved so much about The Pages Between Us was its honesty; I can safely say I could easily relate to what Piper and Olivia experience as their friendship grows and changes and faces unexpected hurdles.
Filled with humor and heart, The Pages Between Us is in stores February 9th.
Novel Novice 
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