All My Bests

by Britnee Meiser

In the tradition of Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between, this smart and emotional upper middle grade romance told through playlists and memories follows two teens struggling to hold onto each other as their friendship changes.

Starting high school brings big changes for Immie and Jack, who’ve been everything to each other ever since Jack crashed his skateboard into Immie’s yard when they were seven years old. All of a sudden, a game-winning goal catapults Jack into star status with the soccer team, and Immie is meeting new girl friends whose questions are making her wonder about the identity of her father for the first time in her life.

And amidst all of this, they’re both realizing their feelings for each other might run deeper than they thought. Can their friendship—and the promise of something more—weather the storm that is growing up?

Genres: Romance, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Audiobook, Mental Health, Fiction, Coming Of Age

384 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

Britnee is a writer, amateur crocheter, and small creature enthusiast living in Brooklyn, New York. She's the author of ALL MY BESTS and JANE STAYS DREAMING. Her chapter book series, WITCHES OF PECULIAR, is published under the pseudonym Luna Graves.

Reviews

[Britnee · Rating 5 out of 5]

**UPDATE 11/12/25: A SEQUEL IS COMING!**

My debut novel has a little bit of everything: romance, friendship, humor, heartbreak, taxidermy butterflies and banana laffy taffys. It’s very personal to me, but I think anyone who’s ever had a crush that blurs the line between “just friends” and “something more” will see themselves in it. Bonus points if you’ve ever made a breakup playlist!

[gabby 💗 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rtc!!!🥰🥰

[Brigid Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty, touching account of adolescence that has everything you’d want: the sting of young love! Miscommunication tropes! A deliciously satisfying dual POV! Nostalgia! And accompanying playlists?? Say less.

All My Bests captures the awkward and obsessive nature of being in 9th grade and doesn’t shy away from just how lonely and overwhelming the experience can be. While the story is sweet and moves quickly, it contains very real depictions of struggles with relationships, identity, and mental health that really do justice to the aching ritual of growing up. The engrossing narration and the thorough character development keep the story moving, but the sharpness of the details - niche historical facts about dead queens and unflinching portrayals of anxiety attacks - make the book so rich and colorful, I couldn’t wait to pick it up every day.

The book is also a music-lover’s dream! Why can’t every book come with playlists? The care and attention paid to each song selected to tell Immie and Jack’s story is so apparent; it’s obvious the book was written by someone with a deep appreciation of music (and great taste). Running back and forth between reading the book and listening to Immie and Jack’s playlists (the author made them available on Spotify!!! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Z3...) was so much fun and made All My Bests into a true multi-media experience.

An absolutely lovely YA read. Immie and Jack will wiggle their way into your heart and stay there for a long while.

g2g burn CDs for everyone I love

[Kristen Amen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story about best friends and love. It felt like I was reading one of the teen books from my youth, which I really enjoyed experiencing once again. It felt surprisingly emotional and the characters were well developed. The story is told in alternating voices, 1st half hers, 2nd half his, which I didn't love and often felt repetitive. Overall, a charming book that I enjoyed reading. The ending, however, wasn't satisfying and felt like a letdown. Thank you to Edelweiss+ for the ARC.

[Abbey Bedenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Name me a cuter teen rom-com…you literally can’t!! I picked this book up on a whim at the library and I’m glad I did, it is so stinking sweet. I absolutely tore through this book. 10/10 recommend for anyone looking for a light-hearted, adorable book!

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read or listen to YA romances, but something about this one caught my attention from the title. I’m so glad I gave it a chance! “Loving it” doesn’t even begin to cover how I felt about this book. The way the characters experienced both love and friendship was like a dream come true for me. I’ve always wished for a bond like that, and to see it unfold in such a beautiful way in a story made me so happy.

It was heartwarming, real, and incredibly relatable. The chemistry between the characters felt genuine, and their journey through love and friendship was something I could truly connect with. I honestly have no complaints—it was everything I wanted in a book.

One of my favorite aspects was the playlist. It was so nostalgic and perfectly matched the tone of the story. Each song took me back to moments that enhanced the emotional depth of the book, making the experience even more memorable.

A big thank you to Simon & Schuster Audio for their fantastic production. The narration brought the story to life and made the experience even more enjoyable.

[Carli · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. This hits just perfectly for the intended audience. Told in two parts and two voices, it unravels the story of best friends Immie and Jack as they go from best friends at seven to having romantic feelings for each other at fourteen. With music and identity at the center of this, it’s perfect for the middle school audience. 💕

[Chloe DeAngelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spectacular debut from a brilliant author!!!!!

[Betsy Wendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought me back to high school and gave me that sweet nostalgic feeling I crave when reading books. This book also got me out of a reading slump, which speaks for itself! It's such a fun, fast paced read. Whether you're a teen or an adult, you can thoroughly enjoy this book. As a teen, this is totally relatable and honestly would have helped me navigate certain issues/relationships in my real life. As an adult, it is just so sweet relating to this book and thinking back on that part of my life. It reminded me how dramatic those years were, and how every single thing my crush said was over analyzed to oblivion.

I love that this is written in both Immie and Jack's perspectives. When I was reading certain parts of Immies story, I was DYING to know what was actually going through Jack's mind in that moment, so it was so nice to ACTUALLY be able to get that.

If you're looking for a book that's a mix of funny, sweet, sad, and REAL...this book is for you. Also if you are an adult that's looking for that cozy feeling of nostalgia in a book, this is it!!

SPOILERS BELOW:

What I need to know is Immie's reaction to Jack's note at the end. Will she end things with Elijah? Does she actually like Elijah or was she settling because Jack wasn't emotionally available? I am dying to know, and I NEED a sequel. I obviously want Immie and Jack to end up together like the rest of us, but the end of this book made sense to me and any other ending would have felt rushed. But that's why we need a sequel!!

[Grace Michaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for those who definitely felt a change when high school started and didn't know how to handle it, especially with friends and feelings.

All My Bests is a relatable high school read, with characteristics in both characters that I could see myself. Relatable to the bone, especially when it comes to anxiety and co-dependency on our friends when we feel alone. The mystery of Immie's father also added as a great touch.

Having a playlist to listen to while reading is the cherry on top. Bravo Britnee!!!!

[Andrew Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh to be a hormonal teenager again <3

[aggereadsalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

felt personal, funny, and well written

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, but disappointed in the ending.

[Shanereads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was disappointing and not a book that I would recommend for 10 year olds, which is the publishers recommendation. If this was a YA book rather than a juvie book I would think differently.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute, age appropriate, YA book romance novel. I want to read again to make a complete Spotify playlist of all the songs referenced.

[୨⎯ gabs ⎯୧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was so cute !!!

bc I dont want to spoil the book I hope Immie 💔with E and starts dating J❤️❤️

I really want a sequel now 😄

[&#x1d4da;&#x1d4ea;&#x1d502;&#x1d4f5;&#x1d4ee;&#x1d4f2;&#x1d4f0;&#x1d4f1; &#x1d4de;&#x1d4f5;&#x1d4fc;&#x1d4ee;&#x1d4f7; · Rating 4 out of 5]

overall this was a good book but the ending was not satisfying, and in my opinion it did not really resolve the books issues.

[ella.bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★★☆ - 3.5 (rounded up)
Tropes
➼ childhood friends
➼ quiet girl x popular boy
➼ second-chance
➼ first love vibes

Okay, so I picked up AMB on a whim at a bookstore, I had seen it online from an author I follow who promoted it and was like, well why not? I haven't read middle-grade since I read PJO/HOO (and I will stand by the fact that they lowk could be considered YA because of some themes...but thats another story).
"All My Bests" follows Immie and Jack, two kids who've been best friends since they were seven years old. Now, they're starting highschool and although it seems like nothing can break through their friendship--highschool is highschool, and soon Immie is facing family trouble and Jack is pondering his identity. P.S. Spoilers ahead!

This novel at its core is a book about friendship, to be honest. Yes, I know Jack and Immie have crushes on one another but honestly their friendship was the strongest part of this novel. I really enjoyed their scenes together, and the illustration of how friendships evolve and grow as different wants, needs, and problems arise was very realistic. Also, I really really loved the idea of starting the story from the beginning halfway through but from Jack's POV. I was not expecting the mental health aspect of this novel but I can say I thoroughly enjoyed it, his struggle with identity and fear to ask for help was so so so good.
However, as much as I hype up this debut it falls short on one aspect majorly: the ending. I waited an entire book, watched as both Immie and Jack fought for not only their friendship but a possible relationship. I dealt with an almost kiss [and miscommunication ૮(˶ㅠ︿ㅠ)ა] and seperation and healing in a middlegrade book. I saw the perspective change and Immie and Jack come face to face again...and then they forgave each other on--1, maybe 2 pages? We built up this idea of vulnerablity, and Jack apolgizes for not being available when Immie was dealing with the stuff about her dad, but I? I think I might've missed a page? I don't know, but did Jack not tell Immie about his panic attacks, and anxiety disorder? I think maybe it was implied, or at least implied he'd tell her later...then the book ends on the ball drop? NO KISS??? Sorry I love romance, and yes I know its a middlegrade book but Percabeth kissed at the end of TLO!! I felt like the romance was built up, I don't nee a makeout scene but I felt like the relationship just ended abruptly.
Anyway I'm done with my confusion and panic, it was a great easy read and a phenomonal debut. Perhaps with one more round of editing for the last 2-3 chapters, the ending could've been more satisfying but if you really enjoy books about friendship definitely pick this one up!
xx ella

[Alecia Rempel · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I finished this book in six days even though it says I finished it in a day I did not cause I just updated my good read a little late, but this book is her debut novel which I find insane because this writing was absolutely amazing the way she wrote it. It was just so lovely and I wanted Jack and Immie to end up together so bad because they both liked each other and seems like the different points of view. I was like because they both liked each other. Why did they not end up together? They were best friends and it really broke my heart that they’re not best friends anymore. I do the back said this is me saying goodbye. I thought they would make up. I thought they would become a couple. I was 100% sure on the last page when it was New Year’s Eve they were a hug they were kiss they didn’t and that not gonna lie. I broke my heart that Jack is now dating, Alex and Immie is dating Elijah and maybe they’re a good couple. This is a standalone book so I don’t know but I know best friends make the best couple. This is the four stars because Immie and Jack did not end up together, if they did end up together, I would have given it a five stars but since they ended up dating other people, it’s a four stars I was leaning to giving it less than four stars, but then I just thought about the emotions I was feeling while reading this book. It was tugging at my heart strings. I was mad at the characters for not making the right decisions and I had to keep flipping pages flipping and flipping because I needed to know what was gonna happen I needed to know if they were gonna make the right decision.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just have so much to say.

First of all I want to say this book is amazing, it's one of the best Young Adult books I've ever read. It contains so much, so realistic, so fun and sweet. It is not just a love story, it has different layers but still feels like a warm read.

I have to say I loved so many things about it. Loved the friendship between them, loved the mom's side story, loved the playlist concept, loved the small interests they both had and loved the realistic way her feelings started and continued. Ah, and yes I liked Elijah but...

I desperately wanted it to be (and thought it'll be) a five stars book but there are 2 things I didn't loved.

1. Jack's POV was partially necessary but not enough, I did enjoy finding out about his "secrets" but sometimes felt repetitive and...

2. The ending.
I'm sorry, I know and understand it was a happy ending if you think about it and there's still love between them but 😫 like ... I don't like those kind of endings!!!

Maybe I just want the cliché happily ever after kind of endings but ugh... Maybe there'll be another book, maybe I'll have to deal with it.

Still I liked it and I'll be reading the author's future projects but now I'll be sure to not asumme it's going to end in a way I'm expecting.

Still it's beautiful, fun, emotional and I seriously loved her relationship with her mother.

And yeah, Elijah it's a good option I guess ...

[Hamdi Hassen · Rating 2 out of 5]

okay i loved the starting it was going soooooo well. So cute, so loveydovey like you could just tell THEY MEANT TO BE TOGETHER THAT THEY WILL END TOGETHER. Then we get to jacks pov. I mean yeah sure we needed his pov but like IT COULDVE BENE TRIMMED ALOTTTT. And the 3rd part of the story immie and jack COULDVE BEEN SO MUCH MOREEEEE SO MUCH MORE! Like your telling me that they didnt talk for over a month because of wht happen at the bonfire? CMON THESE KIDS ARE MY AGE AND LEMME TELL YOU KIDS MY AGE ARE NOT LIKE THIS GOSH THEY COULDVE COMMUNICATED???? THE COMMUNICATION WAS LACKING SO MUCH. this book just had so much potential and that ending just ruined it. SHE ALSO NEVER FOUND OUT ABOUT HIS PANIC ATTACKS??? I mean im sure she did afterwards BUT SHOULDNT WE LIKE SEE THAT SCENE??? THAT SHOULDVE BEEN A SCENE TO ACTUALLY PUT IN THE BOOK TO EXPLAIN FOR THE BONFIRE INCIDENT TO JUST EXPLAIN FOR EVERYTHINGGGGGGG LIKE OH MY GOSH THIS BOOK REALLY PISSED ME OFF I WAS SO GIGGLY AND EVERYTHING AT THE START AND IT JUST DID THAT??? BRITNEE COME ON. Would i recommend this book? ugh maybe. Would i read it again? Absolutely not

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

More like a 4.5.

This is an incredible read about two 14 year old kids who are best friends - Immie and Jack - and what they go through. The structure of the book is a) it is told both voices b) each chapter begins with a music track/singer/band. The book is very well written and captures the voice of the two friends. The voices of some of the secondary characters were very well written and it's like I was back in High School. I hope that this becomes a series and we follow the two friends through high school and beyond.

Spoiler:
Why a 4.5? The way in which Nora (Immie's Mom) presents to Immie information about who Immie's dad is. Nora is by all accounts a wonderful mother who has a close relationship with her daughter and is a principal of a Middle School. Nora says that it was not her place to tell Immie about her dad. But it really is - every child has a right to know who their parents are. Plus this didn't seem to be true to Nora's character. The real crux for me, though, is how a 14 year old reader might read into that.

[Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... · Rating 3 out of 5]

All My Bests by Britnee Meiser is a sweet, touching account of a young girl falling in love with a friend... written for middle school children. It captures the awkward stage of life when you are just discovering your desire for romance, and the need to fit in. On it's pages you will be brought into that part of life when everything was a bit overwhelming, when life was moving too quickly for you to think about your words and actions. It will remind you of the struggles with friends. The neediness. The cattiness. The days when you struggled with your identity. It will remind you of how difficult everything was -- including your own body.

The author carries the reader into the obsessive moments of adolescence.

The story is beautifully written.

So, why 3 stars? It is about me and me alone. I don't enjoy the romance genre -- even in middle grade books, I guess.

Oh, and a bonus: the included playlists!

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

All My Bests by Britnee Meiser is an upper middle grade / young adult novel told in the most delightful structure: three different perspectives that start with hand-written letters and chapters that begin with song titles and personalized notes. Immie and Jack have been friends forever, but now that they’re in high school, things are changing. What once was light and easy becomes tentative and complicated. And that’s only the beginning. This book has beautiful layers to unwrap: complicated family relationships, embracing our own weirdness, grappling with anxiety, exploring our biological roots and much more. The format, the content, the emotion…. Readers will want to jump right in…and perhaps sing along, too. =)

[Vandana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter is really into YA romance books these days so I randomly picked this one up at Target to put in her Christmas stocking.

She loved it and told me I had to read it. I admit I was hesitant and pushed it off for a while (I don’t like romance novels and I find a lot of YA lit just not that well written, sorry).

But, when I finally started reading this I couldn’t put it down. Immie gave off a bit of “manic pixie dream girl” trope but other than that I thought it was excellent. Loved all the musical references and the two character narration. I liked that it was romantic and realistic but age appropriate for tween readers. Really liked the ending because it was hopeful but not cheesy. 4.5 stars, rounded up.

[Brianna B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book so much, i read it in 2 days. i am really really hoping the author writes a sequel, bc the only downside of the book for me is the ending. yes i understand why it ended that way, but also, (spoiler) jack not telling immie about his panic attacks? and immie still being with elijah instead of ending up with jack? we all know her and jack are going to end up together since it is a love story about them, but i just wish the ending was a little longer if ykwim. but this is an amazing ya read, hoping for a sequel as you will fall in love with immie and jack and the other characters!!

[Varsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

All My Bests by Britnee Meiser is a sweet book about two teens who try to navigate life as their childhood friendship turns into something more.

The book is split into three POVs: Part 1 is Imogen's, Part 2 is Jack's, and Part 3 is Imogen's & Jack's.

I loved the way the story was told. Imogen's POV begins with a letter and each chapter starts with a quote and a line/memory of their story leading up to the letter.

I felt Jack didn't make much of an impression in the first part and felt uncertain about the book. After reading part 2 the story felt better and made a lot of sense.

I am not sure how I feel about the ending. I wonder if there is a possibility for a sequel.

[madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed the last 25% of this book. Oh, sue me 🙄. Jack’s version of events was just as I expected anyways and I knew there wasn’t going to be some grand resolution so my interest died after that. I understand everything, it was very realistic as per high school students feeling their emotions, but it just felt very mehhh for me. Maybe it’s just because I’m needing an escape for life rn I don’t want to be reading about realness when I’m trying to get away from realness myself. I want a happy ending goddamn it. But I can’t blame the book if that wasn’t the intention from the start.

[Tracy Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stole this book from my sister's weekly library haul. I was surprised by how it turned out to be more realistic than I expected for a book of this genre, definitely have some ingrained expectations. Particularly appreciated the mental health moments + queer rep through some characters lol (i mean obviously it's a straight romance, if i wanted to read a queer romance i'd do that). I love romance stories because I love projecting my dumpster fire 2nd act romcom of a romance life onto them, this was no different.

[CONSTANCE · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clean-teen read told in three parts – first by Immie, the second by Jack – neighbors who have been best friends since they were 7 years old. As they enter high school, they realize they need to expand their world, but they also realize that maybe being bffs isn’t enough. Each of their parts tells the same situations from their own point of view and part three steps back to tell us what happens next.