Whatever Normal Is

Gr 8 Up—The fourth book in an ongoing series about three friends growing up in the 60s in Minneapolis, this last installment follows the girls as they go through their junior year in high school. Margaret, Isabelle, and Grace make a pact at the beginning of the school year to each secure three things: a job, a car, and a boyfriend. When Grace begins working at the Emerald Cafe, the other girls visit her there and meet her 20-year-old coworker, Teddy. Though Grace shows an interest in him, it's Margaret's number he asks for. Margaret tells her friend reluctantly that she agreed to a date, and though Grace is initially upset, she forgives Margaret and their friendship is left unscathed. After several dates of platonic interactions, Margaret is baffled by Teddy's restraint, until Teddy reveals to Margaret that he is gay. St. Anthony's writing portrays the essence of the 60s but comes across slightly forced, failing to capture the distinct mood of the decade. Though her tone may have been perfect for the earlier books in the series, it feels stuck in middle school and is not up to step with high school emotions. What could have been a moving coming out scene is confusing and lacks depth.