Berry Parker Doesn’t Catch Crushes
Berry Parker Doesn’t Catch Crushes by Tanita S. Davis, published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2025, is a contemporary middle grade novel that explores the complexities of growing up. In this 336-page story, Berry grapples with her mom’s new boyfriend, her best friend’s crush, and her dad’s interest in her gym teacher, all while vowing to avoid catching a crush herself. As her family dynamics shift, Berry reflects on the impact of these changes on her life and relationships.
Readers will find a narrative that delves into themes of family life, friendship, and the challenges of social skills during formative years. Berry’s summer takes an unexpected turn with her mom’s surprise visit, which brings both excitement and uncertainty as she faces the possibility of her mom moving away. The story captures Berry’s struggle to navigate her feelings amidst the evolving landscape of her friendships and family, highlighting the emotional turmoil that often accompanies growing up.
Official synopsis Publisher
With her mom’s new boyfriend, her best friend’s new crush, and her dad’s interest in her gym teacher, Berry vows to never catch a crush–and to show everyone how much better things would be without theirs–in this stand-alone contemporary middle grade from Tanita S. Davis, author of The Science of Friendship and Partly Cloudy.
Every year, Berry’s mom, Ivy, visits for a three-week “August Invasion.” And every summer Berry hopes will be the one when Ivy will stay–forever.
Which is why Ivy’s surprise return visit is amazing–until Berry realizes her mom didn’t come for her. Ivy’s back to pack the last of her things, and she’s brought her new “friend,” Mr. Cole to help. When Berry discovers that Mr. Cole is taking a job in England, she’s convinced that Ivy wants to move all the way across the ocean with him, to where an August Invasion can’t reach. Even at school, messy feelings are ruining everything. Berry’s best friend, Lia, rearranges her schedule to have classes with her crush, leaving Berry alone all day. Even Berry’s normally boring dad is making excuses to talk to her gym teacher.
All these crushes are crushing the life out of Berry. Weren’t things better before these extra people came along Why do things have to change
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