Keep It Together, Keiko Carter

by Debbi Michiko Florence (Author)

Keep It Together, Keiko Carter
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Fans of Wendy Mass and Lisa Greenwald are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sweet story about first crushes, friendship drama, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself.

Seventh grade is supposed to be a game changer. And Keiko thinks she's got it covered, especially with Audrey and Jenna by her side to shop for a new look, pick out a prime lunch spot, and even hit up that cute new bubble tea place after school. Her trio is ready to tackle life as they always have... together.

But when Audrey decides they need boyfriends before Fall Ball, it looks like things may be changing in all the wrong ways. Jenna is sick of caving in to Audrey's demands, and soon Keiko's besties are barely talking, leaving her caught in the middle. While she's been dreaming about triple-dates, first kisses, and a boy she really shouldn't have a crush on, the friendship she's always thought was rock-solid is beginning to crumble.

Keiko feels pulled in two directions. Should she try to help her friends -- even if it means losing one of them -- or follow her heart? When it comes to flirting, friendships, and fallouts, how is Keiko supposed to keep it all together?

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School Library Journal

Gr 5-8—With besties Audrey and Jenna by her side, Keiko Carter is looking forward to seventh grade, envisioning awesome clubs, school dances, and more independence. But reality is not as sweet. Keiko's friend group unravels when both Jenna and Audrey develop a crush on the same guy. Her family is changing, with her Mom working longer hours and her sister sneaking out. After spending time with Audrey's older brother Conner and his pals, Keiko finds herself questioning the qualities of a true friend. Florence's tween drama will resonate with its audience. Through Keiko's narration, readers experience her thoughts and conversations, but will also see beyond Keiko's clouded perspective to a more authentic view of her friends. At times the author's inclusion of background information, such as Keiko's odd relationship with her alcoholic grandfather, seem out of place, perhaps a failed attempt to add depth. The novel's ending feels abrupt as the plot spins to focus more on Keiko's new dog and relationship with Conner, never resolving her friendships. This sudden ending also obscures the central plot point of a potential romantic relationship, leaving readers with many loose ends and no contemplation from Keiko. VERDICT Overall, this novel will interest teens thirsty for drama, but little more. Recommended strictly for libraries needing to expand their realistic fiction collection.—Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis School, Salt Lake City

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Praise forKeep It Together, Keiko Carter:

Sweet and smart. - Kirkus Reviews

Charming...fans of Lisa Greenwald and Wendy Mass will enjoy this book. — Booklist

Florence's tween drama will resonate. - School Library Journal
Debbi Michiko Florence
Debbi Michiko Florence is the author of Keep It Together, Keiko Carter, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and New England Book Award finalist, Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai, and the Jasmine Toguchi chapter books. A third-generation Japanese American and native Californian, Debbi lives in Connecticut with her husband, rescue dog, and rabbit. Visit her online at debbimichikoflorence.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781338607574
Lexile Measure
560
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Scholastic Press
Publication date
May 04, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV011020 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Asian American
JUV039020 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Adolescence
JUV039190 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Dating & Relationships
Library of Congress categories
Brothers and sisters
Friendship
Japanese Americans
Dating (Social customs)
Best friends
Choice
Racially mixed people
Choice (Psychology)

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