Ava XOX by Carol Weston (Children's, 9 years +, 10/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 February 2016, Jabberwocky, 208 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Summary from Sourcebooks

 Love is in the air—and Ava thinks she’s allergic

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Ava couldn’t care less. That is, until a new girl, Kelli, asks out Ava’s friend Chuck…and he says yes! What?!? Ava is NOT okay with this. But since when does she think about boys? For the first time ever, words fail Ava. She isn't sure what she’s feeling (Like? Love? Friendship? Frustration?), or what “going out” even means. After all, fifth graders aren't allowed to go anywhere by themselves, are they?
 

To top it off, Pip’s friend Tanya is being bullied for her size. Ava wants to help—but, uh oh, it's not as easy as she imagines.

Love is in the air—and Ava thinks she’s allergic
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Ava couldn’t care less. That is, until a new girl, Kelli, asks out Ava’s friend Chuck…and he says yes! What?!? Ava is NOT okay with this. But since when does she think about boys? For the first time ever, words fail Ava. She isn't sure what she’s feeling (Like? Love? Friendship? Frustration?), or what “going out” even means. After all, fifth graders aren't allowed to go anywhere by themselves, are they?
To top it off, Pip’s friend Tanya is being bullied for her size. Ava wants to help—but, uh oh, it's not as easy as she imagines.
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Nayu's thoughts   

A sweet read about being true to yourself and family drama full of humour. While I have more conservative views on dating now than I did when I was Ava's age, it was all too easy for me to understand her confusion and uncertainty. My friends all grew up before I did, if that makes sense. The feeling of being left out is one I empathised with Ava, as it's no fun feeling the friendship is changing in an almost negative way with the sense of distance and just not sharing the same views. 

Ava had a major dilemma in helping her friend see that she needed to live a healthier lifestyle, which made me feel sorry for Ava because she had a lot going on in her life, although that is normal these days, making it harder to phrase her encouragement positively. Ava still uses her passion of palindromes as a coping mechanism which is sweet to read, she muddles her way through the confusing situations in a way I can relate to, and it's an overall heartwarming read. 

Find out more on Carol's website.