When My Sister Started Kissing

From Printz Honor author Helen Frost, a middle-grade novel in verse about two sisters and the summer that changed everything

Claire and Abi have always loved their summers at the lake house, but this year, everything's different. Dad and Pam, their stepmom, are expecting a new baby, and they've cleared out all of Mom's belongings to make room. And last summer, Abi was looking at boys, but this summer, boys are looking back at her. While Abi sneaks around, Claire is left behind to make excuses and cover up for her. Claire doesn't want her family to change, but there doesn't seem to be a way of stopping it. By the end of their time at the house, the two sisters have learned that growing up doesn't have to mean their family growing apart.

In When My Sister Started Kissing, Helen Frost's beautiful poetry tells a tale about summertime and coming of age.

“[W]hile the poetic element will give the book a place in curricula, the story of summer change and growth will resonate with any kid negotiating adolescence directly or by proxy.” —Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books, starred review

“For tween readers who appreciate lyrical writing and coming-of-age tales.” —School Library Journal

A Margaret Ferguson Book