This continues the story started with Real Friends and continued with Best Friends. At this point, the character has more confidence in her friendships, but she's at an age where girls' self esteem tends to plummet. I had many of the same questions Shannon did throughout eighth (and ninth) grade, and I think it's good for teens to see these so they don't feel quite so alone.

Given that this took place in the 1980s (with the main character only a couple years older than me), I was a little surprised by her family's grossly outdated mindset (women shouldn't have jobs, your sole purpose as a woman is to marry well and have children). But rather than a criticism on the story and setting, it has made me realize just how open-minded and modern my parents were.