Eighth grade graduation, the start of summer break, a pool party to which the whole class is invited, and underneath it all, the complex ecosystem of junior high. Socially awkward Dustin is doing his best to host the party, wallflower Rose is working on her Junior High Goals checklist, Liv is auditioning new best friends, and mean girl Maya is discovering that she may have to start being nicer if she wants real friendships. I smiled, cringed, and laughed as I followed all these dramas. The story slides from one scene into another like a soap opera. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner, (List Price: $21.99, Labyrinth Road, 9798217031429, April 2026)
Reviewed by Amanda, Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, AR