The Kissing Diary: A Novel

by Judith Caseley

Overview

Twelve-year-old Rosie Goldglitt is a never-been-kissed, hopeless romantic. Her mother has a new boyfriend. So why can't Rosie attract the attentions of the cutest boy in the seventh grade, Robbie Romano? Is it because she's two inches taller than he is? Is it her horrible name? Or is she simply a dork? If only she could be more like her rival, the perfect and popular Mary Katz, then maybe Robbie would notice her. As Rosie navigates the ups and downs of adolescence, she eagerly anticipates the experience of a first kiss - when she's not completely grossed out at the thought of it. But by the time the big dance rolls around, Rosie manages to surprise herself, in more ways than one.

This perceptive and funny story captures the bittersweetness and euphoria of growing up, the messiness of having a crush, and how sometimes the most unexpected things in life are the most enjoyable.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781466893689
Publisher:	Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date:	05/05/2015
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	234 KB
Age Range:	11 - 15 Years

About the Author

JUDITH CASELEY is the author of many popular books for young readers. She lives in Glen Head, New York.
Judith Caseley is the author of many popular books for young readers. She lives in Glen Head, New York.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 4-6 When 12-year-old Rosie Goldglitt's father leaves the family, he gives her a diary so she can document her feelings about the divorce. But she's more interested in writing about kissing. However, since she doesn't have much personal experience, she ends up writing about lip-gloss shopping, school projects, her mom's love life, and, of course, her crush on Robbie Romano. Caseley's characters are offbeat but familiar, and the dialogue between the kids and their parents is spot-on. Over the course of the novel, Rosie faces gossip, B.O., parental arguments, and a trip to the principal's office with surprising (and possibly unrealistic) resilience. She also widens her circle of friends to include the only girl on the school wrestling team-without losing any of her old chums. The final matchmaking scheme is a little predictable, but the book is notable for what it leaves unresolved. Caseley wisely chooses not to tie up the loose ends of the divorce and the tough decisions the family has to make about Rosie's aging grandfather. This book covers territory that's already been mined by the likes of Phyllis Reynolds Naylor and Judy Blume, but the titillating title is sure to grab the attention of lip-gloss-popping tweens.-Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI

School Library Journal

These days, a last name of Goldglitt is the least of 12-year-old Rosie's problems. Figuring out the dos and don'ts of boyfriend behavior, a first real kiss and tolerating Mary Katz's evil and derogatory public comments cause Rosie much mental anguish. Add in her parent's divorce, mother's new male friend and grandfather's imminent Alzheimer's and Rosie is headed for a tumultuous emotional and physical climax that lands her in school detention with barely a friend left in her support. Caseley spins a believable tween lifestyle full of complicated bumps and cracks along an uphill road of emerging adolescent issues. Voices alternating between a narrator and Rosie herself through her chapter diary entries provide a personal perspective. Rosie's budding romantic notions together with her more pressing concerns lay a foundation for a serious message that while verbal bullying can be ignored, physical violence is never acceptable. More importantly, Caseley allows her protagonist to learn from her mistakes and develop newfound confidence through her relationship with peers. Will ring true with the female tween crowd in today's complicated world. (Fiction. 10-13)

Kirkus Reviews