This is, perhaps, the most perfect eighth grade girl book I have ever read. In fact, it was excruciating to read (in the best possible way) as I felt I was right back in Middle School myself. It reminded me of nothing more than the Judy Blume books I read at that age, but current for today’s readers.

From the publisher:

Sofia lost her mother eight months ago, and her friends were 100% there for her. Now it’s a new year and they’re ready for Sofia to move on.

Problem is, Sofia can’t bounce back, can’t recharge like a cellphone. She decides to write Dear Kate, an advice columnist for Fifteen Magazine, and is surprised to receive a fast reply. Soon the two are exchanging emails, and Sofia opens up and spills all, including a few worries that are totally embarrassing. Turns out even advice columnists don’t have all the answers, and one day Sofia learns a secret that flips her world upside down.

SPEED OF LIFE is the heartbreaking, heartwarming story of a girl who thinks her life is over when really it’s just beginning. It’s a novel about love, family, grief, and growing up.

There are multiple moments in this novel that ring true to life. My favorite of these is when Sofia and her best friend each tell their parents they are at the other’s house in order to go to a party together. Although Sofia makes a number of typical mistakes for a girl her age, she is a strong character who will enlighten many young women in the art of being true to yourself.

You can read the author’s guest post from last week here. If you’d like to be entered in the drawing to win a copy of The Speed of Life, please leave a comment on this post (preferably with your Twitter handle.)