Cadence can't wait to start the sixth grade, but everything feels... different. Her body is growing and changing so quickly, resulting in embarrassing moments that happen almost daily. Why does nobody else struggle like she does?


Cadence turns to her friends for help. Surprise! All of them are going through the same things. Together, they support one another, sharing laughs and heartfelt conversations.


Based on true events, this book uses humor to discuss puberty as a normal part of growing up.


HOW IT STARTED, FROM THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR:


When my daughter started going through puberty, I was completely caught off guard. I knew we'd eventually have to talk about bras, boys, and periods, but somehow, I'd blocked out my own journey into adulthood. She had so many questions about the changes happening in her body, and, honestly, it felt overwhelming.  


I remembered bits and pieces of my own experience, but wanting to navigate this next phase of parenting with care and say all the right things, we turned to books. It was then that we hit another roadblock as my daughter had a vision impairment that made reading traditional books extremely difficult for her.  When we discovered graphic novels, it felt like a goldmine.  The artwork and small bits of text were much easier for her to navigate, and she excitedly devoured the books faster than I could find them.


I remember lying in bed one night and wishing there was a GOOD graphic novel book about puberty - my life would be SO much easier!  Any books we did find that discussed puberty were all dry, scientific or so cheesy they made even my 10-year-old's eyes roll. As I drifted off to sleep, an idea struck: I could write the story we needed!


"Best Buds" is different from many books out there because, yes, it talks about puberty—but it's naturally woven into the story rather than being the main focus of the book.  The story is based on true events from my own childhood, my daughter's, as well as some of her friends.


I truly believe "Best Buds" will help many young readers realize they're not alone and that what they're going through is completely normal!