Penelope, Ephraim and Audrey have been friends forever, an inseparable threesome. But now that they are juniors in high school, things are changing. Penelope is devastated when for the first time ever, Eph and Audrey both ditch out on the fall festival. She is the only one of the three who has never been kissed, never had a romantic involvement. Audrey is expanding her social circle and encouraging Penelope to do the same, but Penelope doesn't want to. Change is hard. But it is also inevitable. As Penelope grudgingly begins to accept this, a new world opens up with new friends, a romantic relationship, and a heartbreaking realization.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I thought the author did a great job of capturing the confusing emotional upheaval that accompanies these years. I loved Penelope and her snark, her loyalty, her perseverance. Penelope and her friends are realistic, flawed and wonderful. The chapters are not numbered, but instead headed with a drawing and the chapter tells the story surrounding that item - a Kit Kat wrapper, an ugly Santa, a shard of pottery, etc. In the final chapter, all the items come together for a unique ending, or is it a beginning?!
Highly recommended!