Just As Long As We're Together

Navigating the turbulent waters of seventh-grade friendships, this coming-of-age story explores the delicate balance of loyalties when a new girl enters a long-standing best-friend duo. Stephanie’s world, once comfortably defined by her bond with Rachel, is suddenly complicated by the arrival of Alison, forcing her to confront questions of identity, belonging, and whether a heart has room for more than one "best" friend. The narrative masterfully captures the specific anxieties of early adolescence, from shifting social alliances to the pressures of school and changing family dynamics. Readers are plunged into the emotional whirlwind of middle school where every interaction feels monumental.

Blume’s signature strength lies in her authentic, unfiltered portrayal of the pre-teen experience, giving voice to the complex, often unspoken rules of adolescent friendship. The novel stands out for its honest exploration of jealousy, forgiveness, and the painful but necessary process of redefining relationships as you grow. Young readers grappling with their own social growing pains will find a comforting mirror in Stephanie’s journey, recognizing their own dilemmas in her struggle to hold onto the past while embracing the new. This is a timeless and resonant exploration of the messy, beautiful work of building a life with the people you choose.