Keep It Together, Keiko Carter

by Debbi Michiko Florence

Overview

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?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338607529
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	05/05/2020
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	427,641
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.20(d)
Lexile:	560L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

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.

Editorial Reviews

05/01/2020

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

School Library Journal

2020-02-09
Keiko and her two best friends navigate the drama of seventh grade.

Keiko Carter is ready to start seventh grade with her two best friends, Jenna Sakai and Audrey Lassiter. Jenna is finally back from spending the summer with her dad in Texas, and everything is perfect now that the trio is together again. Keiko wants to experience new clubs and activities together, but Audrey has something else in mind: boyfriends. Keiko goes along with it, but Jenna tires of always doing things Audrey’s way. Stuck in the middle of the fight, Keiko wants to make everyone happy. And that’s just the beginning of her troubles. Her mom is never home because of a new job; her sister is hiding something; and Keiko might have a crush on a boy she shouldn’t like. Keeping the peace is what Keiko does, but she must decide if it’s worth sacrificing her happiness this time. In her middle-grade debut, Florence creates a fun, accessible story, touching on the realities of middle school, such as friendships, fallouts, misunderstandings, first crushes, and fitting in. The highs and lows of the girls’ friendship highlight toxic relationships versus true friendship. Keiko is biracial, half Japanese American and half white; Jenna is Japanese American; and Audrey is white.

Sweet and smart. (Fiction. 9-12)

Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Keep 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

“The moment I saw the cover, my heart soared: an Asian American main character who is every bit the All-American girl. This is the book I wish I could take back in time and give to my tween self. I am so thrilled that today's readers get to have Keiko Carter.” — Christina Soontornvat, Newbery Honor-winning author of A Wish in the Dark

“Keep It Together, Keiko Carter takes an honest look at friendship fallouts and changing family dynamics with sweetness and sincerity that will make you cheer for Keiko as she learns to manage it all without losing herself.” — Jessica Kim, author of Stand Up, Yumi Chung!

"In this deft, empathetic, and humorous narrative, Debbi Michiko Florence has expertly captured the joy and heartbreak of middle school." — Andrea Wang, award-winning author of Magic Ramen, The Many Meanings of Meilan, and Watercress

“A beautiful coming of age story. Keep It Together Keiko Carter shines with friendship changes, first crushes, and a perfect, heartwarming ending.” — Julie Abe, author of Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch

"Keep It Together, Keiko Carter navigates friendships, crushes, and self-discovery with such heart – my seventh grade self would have adored this book!" — Mae Respicio, award-winning author of The House That Lou Built and Any Day with You

From the Publisher