What My Mother Doesn't Know

Reader reviewed by mearley

A realistic portrayal of a teenage girl's emotions and thoughts as she navigates friendships and boyfriends. Everything is very raw and honest, much like reading the diary of a 15-year-old. For that reason, there have been challenges to this book. However, I believe this is appropriate for 8th grade and above so we are keeping it in the library, especially because Sophie ultimately makes good decisions--breaking up with boys when things get too intense or when she realizes the relationship is only based on physical attraction, and later ignoring what would be a "popular" thing to do and instead following her heart.

Reprinted here with author's permission

Reader reviewed by sarah

what my mother dosnt know is a great book. it relates to real girls and what we think about. Sophie is a bacic 15 year old girl trying to get a real boyfriend who likes her for her. along the way she meets a bad boy who she thinks she likes. i defiently recmend this book its great for girls everywhere

Reader reviewed by Lauren

Sophie, tells the story of her first experiences with love. she talks about her relationships with family, friends, and boys as she struggles to reach adulthood. Sophie moves through her first relationships with the support of her childhood friends Grace and Rachel, who are also experiencing their new loves. When Dylan asks her not to mention that she's Jewish to his prejudiced mother, Sophie is heartbroken. Her relationship with Dylan morphs into a friendship after she meets her second love, Chaz, in a chat room on the Internet. Sophie's cyber love is short lived and gives way to a more meaningful relationship with the unpopular and often bullied Robin Murphy. Is this really who she belongs with?