I received a digital advance reader’s copy (ARC) of Just Lizzie by Karen Wilfrid. Since this version is just a proof and not the final version, I won’t quote directly and will keep my comments general.

In Just Lizzie, a middle schooler named Lizzie is starting to wonder if she’s missing something. All her friends are developing crushes and starting to date, but not her. She isn’t interested in any of that. She can’t even understand what’s changed—these boys are still the same obnoxious, loud students they were last school year, so what makes them attractive now? So when she hears about plant reproduction in her science class, she researches the word “asexual” and finds her world suddenly opening up to new possibilities about romance, relationships, and life in general. However, no one around her seems to understand: not her parents, still dealing with the ramifications of putting a restraining order on their stalker neighbor; not her brother, busy at his first semester of college; not her friends, who are caught up in their newfound crushes and dates. So it’s up to Lizzie to stand up for herself, her own way of existing, in a world that doesn’t even believe such a way of life is real.

This is such a sweet, heartfelt story! Lizzie is a great protagonist. Certainly, she’s a little immature in how she reacts to things sometimes, but it’s perfectly in keeping with a middle schooler’s usual behavior. And seeing her internal conflict—about her bonds with her loved ones, her trauma from their stalker neighbor, and about her own place in the world—makes her incredibly sympathetic.

I enjoyed the scenes that featured Lizzie researching asexual reproduction in the natural world as well. You’ll pick up random odd tidbits about lizards and plants while reading this book. And while this sort of thing is different than asexuality in humans, it’s still interesting to see—plus, the nuances about sexual attraction versus reproduction is explored a bit here, though nothing that would be inappropriate for a middle school person, especially one who is going through puberty and therefore is already learning things.

Related to that, I liked that this book tackled things like puberty and periods with such fearlessness and confidence. It’s lovely to see a novel showing that these subjects don’t have to be scary or forbidden, and knowledge of them can even be helpful (fancy that).

There’s also a good amount of exploring friendships and family dynamics, all of which—while carrying its own complexities and drama—is still very sweet and hopeful. Lizzie has to have tough conversations with her mother and her best friend especially, and while all these characters make mistakes, they speak realistically and end up in very good places.

In the end, Just Lizzie is a moving and nuanced coming-of-age story. There are some serious topics, but nothing is too heavy. I really liked the characters and themes, and watching how Lizzie especially changed over the course of the book. It’s a compassionate, sweet tale about finding your identity, standing up for yourself, and being kind and understanding.

Just Lizzie is available now!