Jean and Johnny

This classic coming-of-age novel captures the exhilarating and awkward experience of first love through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Jean, a girl whose quiet life is upended when a popular boy named Johnny notices her at a dance. Beverly Cleary masterfully portrays the all-consuming nature of a teenage crush, from the initial thrill to the painful self-doubt that follows, as Jean navigates the unfamiliar territory of romance and social expectations with a refreshing lack of confidence that feels deeply authentic.

Cleary’s signature warmth and humor shine as she explores the universal anxieties of adolescence—worrying about the right thing to say, the perfect dress, and whether your feelings are reciprocated. Teen readers, especially those who have ever felt invisible or unsure of themselves, will find a kindred spirit in Jean and appreciate this honest look at the messy, sometimes painful, but ultimately formative journey of discovering who you are beyond a crush.