Noah Frye Gets Crushed

Gr 4-7--Seventh grader Noah had an epic time at summer camp. Even better, her camp friend, Jessa, will attend Noah's school in the fall. Noah is also eager to reunite with her BFFs Zoey and Luna. However, something feels off about their dynamic. Suddenly Zoey and Luna are obsessed with discussing their crushes. Noah has never had romantic feelings for any boy, but she's desperate not to feel left out. She invents a crush of her own, employing a scientifically informed process to locate a suitable target. She settles on her classmate Archie, who is nice but doesn't make Noah light up the way Jessa does. After a series of embarrassing yet amusing mishaps, Noah eventually concludes what everyone else suspected all along: Jessa is the one for her. Noah is a wry narrator who shows emotional growth as the story progresses. The narrative has a light, breezy tone reminiscent of Lauren Myracle's "IM" series. In particular, the dialogue rings true to the typical middle schooler. Gratifyingly, Noah is surrounded by supportive people who give her the time and space she needs to discover her true self. Most characters cue white; Zoey's surname hints at East Asian heritage. VERDICT A fun and affirming coming-out story with relatable characters. Recommended.--Hannah Grasse

Noah Frye Gets Crushed is pug-sitively adorable! Readers will totally fall for this sweet, charming story about first crushes, navigating friendships, and figuring yourself out. — Michael Leali, award-winning author of The Civil War of Amos Abernathy and Matteo

The kids of Middletown are kind, funny, smart, and full of dishy conversation. Noah wants to keep life as-is so badly, she's clueless to the changes in her own heart. If you've ever felt completely lost during crush convos, or have a friend who is, this book is perfect for you! — Rachel Elliott, author-illustrator of The Real Riley Mayes

Hilarious and heartwarming all at once, Noah Frye is one of the best explorations I've read of the changes that happen in middle-grade friendships and that all-too-relatable feeling that everyone else is growing up without you. Readers are going to fall head over heels for Noah and her friends. — Lin Thompson, author of The Best Liars in Riverview and The House That Whispers

With heart, humor, and pitch-perfect characters, NOAH FRYE GETS CRUSHED shows why crushes can be, well, crushing! Maggie Horne shows care and thoughtfulness in portraying the social turmoil of middle school—and how extra-challenging it can be when you don't fit the mold. This is the queer coming-of-age story I wish I'd had, and that the world needs. — Sarah Kapit, award-winning author of Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen

Noah Frye Gets Crushed is exactly the book I wish I'd had in seventh grade: a sweet, funny, detailed investigation of what to do when friendships change, romance looms, and the people you turn out to like are a real surprise. Maggie Horne has crushed it again! — Will Taylor, award-winning author of The Language of Seabirds