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The Scott Fenwick Diaries: A Novel
In the tradition of Judy Blume, a contemporary coming-of-age middle-grade comedy for teens and tweens with the honest truth about the angst and uncertainty
In this laugh-out-loud, feel-good sequel to Worldwide Crush, superfan Millie grows out of her celebrity crush and lands awkwardly in something even more her first ever IRL middle school crush.
Is Millie ready to graduate from posters on the wall to a living, breathing boy who sits next to her in Social Studies? By herself, absolutely not. But with a little help from her friends—maybe! Feeling comically unprepared for this next phase of middle school, Millie calls on an adorkable cast of characters for instructions and Shauna, her wise bestie who uses her Magic 8 Ball for advice; her two cranky grandmas, who call cute boys “foxes”; Pringles, her beloved bulldog; and her bunny-loving neighbor, Tibbs, who dedicates herself to getting Millie an invite to the bar mitzvah of her dreams. But when a secret game of Truth or Dare at the bar mitzvah leads to her ultimate fantasy—Millie and Scott swaying together on the dance floor—the moment is ruined in humiliating fashion. And Millie doubts she’ll ever be ready for real-world middle school love after all.
Amidst a whirlwind of embarrassing family shenanigans and side-splitting missteps, Millie learns to trust her own instincts, grow up on her own terms, and never, ever sacrifice her friends for a crush.
In this laugh-out-loud, feel-good sequel to Worldwide Crush, superfan Millie grows out of her celebrity crush and lands awkwardly in something even more her first ever IRL middle school crush.
Is Millie ready to graduate from posters on the wall to a living, breathing boy who sits next to her in Social Studies? By herself, absolutely not. But with a little help from her friends—maybe! Feeling comically unprepared for this next phase of middle school, Millie calls on an adorkable cast of characters for instructions and Shauna, her wise bestie who uses her Magic 8 Ball for advice; her two cranky grandmas, who call cute boys “foxes”; Pringles, her beloved bulldog; and her bunny-loving neighbor, Tibbs, who dedicates herself to getting Millie an invite to the bar mitzvah of her dreams. But when a secret game of Truth or Dare at the bar mitzvah leads to her ultimate fantasy—Millie and Scott swaying together on the dance floor—the moment is ruined in humiliating fashion. And Millie doubts she’ll ever be ready for real-world middle school love after all.
Amidst a whirlwind of embarrassing family shenanigans and side-splitting missteps, Millie learns to trust her own instincts, grow up on her own terms, and never, ever sacrifice her friends for a crush.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
3 people are currently reading
2301 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Nilsen
2 books35 followersKristin Nilsen is a children's author and librarian with an encyclopedic knowledge of all things 70s and 80s. She is the author of Worldwide Crush, a middle grade novel inspired by her own childhood crush on Shaun Cassidy. She also co-hosts The Pop Culture Preservation Society, a weekly podcast celebrating the cultural nuggets of the classic Gen X childhood. Kristin lives in Minneapolis with her Gen X husband, her Gen Z son, and their rock and roll goldendoodle, Axl Rose Nilsen. The Scott Fenwick Diaries (on sale 7/22/25 from SparkPress) is the sequel to Worldwide Crush and Nilsen’s second middle grade novel.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 8, 2025
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
So that definitely is an example of one of the corniest and poor grammatical lyrics, ever. 😅🫠 Let's not talk about BSB's 'Does his gifts come from the heart?' 🤣🤦🏻♀️ But Rory Calhoun might have been onto something that resonates just as much with thirteen-year-old Millie and her not-so-obvious crush in real-time on her classmate, Scott Fenwick. With his beautiful tan cheeks, perfect personality, wholesome aura, sweet charm, his foxy but fragile heart, the boy has the girl smitten! 🥰
But, to work hard to have said affections returned, all the flaws and claws that come out when trying to snag the guy - or at least, do every bit in your power to prove to him that you may just like like him more than just a friend, well, that's tough picking for Millie.
Lucky for her she's got a whole motley crew that'll do whatever they can to help her catch The Fox. 😏
“You don’t need to worry about being different, because you’re perfect.”
Kinda cute, sometimes a bit too much of the impossibilities Millie faced to be with Scott as much as possible, with the help of a colorful cast of supportive characters - big fan of Cheryl! 🫰🏻 A little in your face with all the real-world issues that kids are facing with being accepted and seen. Millie was as exuberant and coy-ish with her dalliances with avoiding her family's theatrics, despite their keenest effort to make it smooth sailing for her.
Shauna wins the best friend forever award for putting Millie's heart over her own concerns, which really is the conflict for the plot. 🫂 Millie realizes that the world does not revolve around her and her infectious crush on Scott. seeing that she has friends, who are not her foes, even if she felt that they were, who care enough about her to support and be there for her.
“Brownie points and warm fuzzies awarded for the correct interpretation of “mazel tov.””
The bar mitzvah was... interesting. I was pleased that I actually passed the Jewish knowledge test, but it is fair to say it is at middle grade level, so maybe not that impressive. 😌 And the day of the bar mitzvah, the emotions of everyone present was so tangible and sincere and so full of love and respect. The events, afterwards, surprised me; but maybe, these things do happen, so I'm not the right person to judge.
And maybe that is where my issues stem from - personal ones. For as giddy as it is to see a young girl's vibes of experiencing her first crush, something I have lived and learned from, there were slight issues that marred my full enjoyment of this one as compared to her infatuation of Rory. 😕
It's not to say that innuendo does start at this age - I do know that and have witnessed it first hand growing up. So yes, realism was on point in that respect. But, some of the comments passed regarding Catholic faith and religion - Godblast fricking - I know this is Millie learning the difference, but some of the remarks made me slightly uncomfortable at the off-handedness. I know it is a reflection of a very straightforward, enthusiastic young girl eager to please at the sake of her own sanity, but some comments were a bit of a stretch to be --- tolerable.
So yeah, it was a bit too forward to be acceptable - for me! And then , as much as I respect that the author has a real-life affinity to the inclusion of the character, Shazi - considering she is based on an actual person - I... did not like it. 😮💨 That whole bit with the bully could have been easily excluded or even been depicted in a different light to capture the goodness of Scott. I was first put off by the bully's mention, and then even more so of how it was treated, and then after that... not really mentioned again. 😒
“We don’t look at each other, but I know he’s there. And I feel like he’s there on purpose.”
So these little issues struck a nerve that stood out - again, for me! But, it's still a very hyperactive go-lucky read that Millie's voice is expressive and infectious. She speaks from her heart and herobsession - nay, her woes and woos, her insecurities and giddy insanities were very relatable and nostalgic, too. 🥺 She's creative, passionate, and has a lot of love to offer, even when she's self-conscious of being appreciative of herself, during a moment involving a very likable neighborhood bulldog that reminds her of those around her who truly value her as a friend. 😌
The Scott Fenwick Diaries was a gateway to the teenage girl's heart of loving and learning the ups and downs, dos and don'ts to pursue a healthy and happy crush, without risking it all, or even jeopardizing the friendships that matter in a heartfelt and at times, humorous way. There is room in your heart for more than just one person, because there are so many who still see you and like before you find that one person. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“Don’t be afraid of being you. You is who I love.”
So that definitely is an example of one of the corniest and poor grammatical lyrics, ever. 😅🫠 Let's not talk about BSB's 'Does his gifts come from the heart?' 🤣🤦🏻♀️ But Rory Calhoun might have been onto something that resonates just as much with thirteen-year-old Millie and her not-so-obvious crush in real-time on her classmate, Scott Fenwick. With his beautiful tan cheeks, perfect personality, wholesome aura, sweet charm, his foxy but fragile heart, the boy has the girl smitten! 🥰
But, to work hard to have said affections returned, all the flaws and claws that come out when trying to snag the guy - or at least, do every bit in your power to prove to him that you may just like like him more than just a friend, well, that's tough picking for Millie.
Lucky for her she's got a whole motley crew that'll do whatever they can to help her catch The Fox. 😏
“You don’t need to worry about being different, because you’re perfect.”
Kinda cute, sometimes a bit too much of the impossibilities Millie faced to be with Scott as much as possible, with the help of a colorful cast of supportive characters - big fan of Cheryl! 🫰🏻 A little in your face with all the real-world issues that kids are facing with being accepted and seen. Millie was as exuberant and coy-ish with her dalliances with avoiding her family's theatrics, despite their keenest effort to make it smooth sailing for her.
Shauna wins the best friend forever award for putting Millie's heart over her own concerns, which really is the conflict for the plot. 🫂 Millie realizes that the world does not revolve around her and her infectious crush on Scott. seeing that she has friends, who are not her foes, even if she felt that they were, who care enough about her to support and be there for her.
“Brownie points and warm fuzzies awarded for the correct interpretation of “mazel tov.””
The bar mitzvah was... interesting. I was pleased that I actually passed the Jewish knowledge test, but it is fair to say it is at middle grade level, so maybe not that impressive. 😌 And the day of the bar mitzvah, the emotions of everyone present was so tangible and sincere and so full of love and respect. The events, afterwards, surprised me; but maybe, these things do happen, so I'm not the right person to judge.
And maybe that is where my issues stem from - personal ones. For as giddy as it is to see a young girl's vibes of experiencing her first crush, something I have lived and learned from, there were slight issues that marred my full enjoyment of this one as compared to her infatuation of Rory. 😕
It's not to say that innuendo does start at this age - I do know that and have witnessed it first hand growing up. So yes, realism was on point in that respect. But, some of the comments passed regarding Catholic faith and religion - Godblast fricking - I know this is Millie learning the difference, but some of the remarks made me slightly uncomfortable at the off-handedness. I know it is a reflection of a very straightforward, enthusiastic young girl eager to please at the sake of her own sanity, but some comments were a bit of a stretch to be --- tolerable.
So yeah, it was a bit too forward to be acceptable - for me! And then , as much as I respect that the author has a real-life affinity to the inclusion of the character, Shazi - considering she is based on an actual person - I... did not like it. 😮💨 That whole bit with the bully could have been easily excluded or even been depicted in a different light to capture the goodness of Scott. I was first put off by the bully's mention, and then even more so of how it was treated, and then after that... not really mentioned again. 😒
“We don’t look at each other, but I know he’s there. And I feel like he’s there on purpose.”
So these little issues struck a nerve that stood out - again, for me! But, it's still a very hyperactive go-lucky read that Millie's voice is expressive and infectious. She speaks from her heart and her
The Scott Fenwick Diaries was a gateway to the teenage girl's heart of loving and learning the ups and downs, dos and don'ts to pursue a healthy and happy crush, without risking it all, or even jeopardizing the friendships that matter in a heartfelt and at times, humorous way. There is room in your heart for more than just one person, because there are so many who still see you and like before you find that one person. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
August 17, 2025
Adorable and real and perfect.
September 3, 2025
I loved this book! So funny and so accurate —first crushes are the worst crushes. But humor and some friendly conspiring may just get you through—and yay for passing notes in class! Read this one!!!
October 18, 2025
The Scott Fenwick Diaries by Kristin Nilsen is a lighthearted, yet realistic and heartfelt coming-of age novel that follows Millie, a middle school girl navigating through her first real crush on a boy named Scott Fenwick. Told via Millie’s diary entries (the Scott Fenwick Diaries), the book captures the awkwardness, excitement, and confusion of the transition from childhood to adolescence.
The diaries not only contain Millie's overanalyzed depictions of every interaction with Scott, but also her dreams, insecurities, and events of her day-to-day life including best friend drama, family chaos, and middle school pressures. Millie's simple crush gradually becomes a canon event of her early teenage days, as well as a journey of self-discovery and growing up. She is able to learn that understanding herself and her friendships matter just as much as getting Scott’s attention.
The book's purpose is to show how young teens also experience emotions that feel enormous and world-changing, even in ordinary situations. Through its relatability geared toward tween and early teen audiences, the book explores themes of identity, friendship, and the ride of first love.
Opinion:
The Scott Fenwick Diaries by Kristin Nilsen surprised me as it captured exactly the confusing, funny, and emotional chaos of middle school but in a realistic and not exaggerated way. Unlike the majority of coming-of-age tales, this book didn't try to be too profound or melodramatic; it simply presented the everyday life of an adolescent girl in a loose manner with honesty and humor, which made it highly relatable. Millie's diary entries were like reading my own diary entries, complete with overthinking, cringeworthy moments, and honest afterthoughts.
I liked best how the book took this mundane thing, a crush, and turned it into this wonderful novel about figuring out who you are. Millie's obsession with Scott Fenwick can be silly at first, but the more the story goes on, the clearer it becomes that she's learning about who she is through what she feels about him. The way that the author depicted this subtle growth without making it overblown or unrealistic was what made the reader continue reading. I also liked the easy-going and funny, but thoughtful, tone of the book. The use of diary form writing made it easy to read, and the pacing never allowed it to get dull or repetitive. While the book seems to be tweens-focused, I was still engaged in Millie's world as a teenager because how well Millie's first-person viewpoint reached me. Another thing that I thought was quite relevant was how the book portrayed friendship and insecurity despite the theme of the book being crushes.
Millie’s ups and downs with her best friend, along with her self-consciousness about how others see her, reflected the social pressure that most teens experience but rarely admit out loud. It reminded me how important it is to find comfort in being yourself, even when it feels like everyone else is figuring things out faster. In general, The Scott Fenwick Diaries was a comfort and reflection for me as a teenage girl. It made me remember that adolescent chaos is normal, and that it is the small moments that will end up teaching us most about ourselves. Kristin Nilsen's wit and compassion can be felt throughout the book, a delightful and moving experience for anyone who has ever been uncomfortable, uncertain, or hopeful about growing up.
Fitting well into the realistic fiction and romantic comedy genres, The Scott Fenwick Diaries offers a relatable and funny look at the highs and lows of middle school life, perfect for readers who enjoy coming-of-age novels about crushes, friendship, and finding confidence in who you are.
The diaries not only contain Millie's overanalyzed depictions of every interaction with Scott, but also her dreams, insecurities, and events of her day-to-day life including best friend drama, family chaos, and middle school pressures. Millie's simple crush gradually becomes a canon event of her early teenage days, as well as a journey of self-discovery and growing up. She is able to learn that understanding herself and her friendships matter just as much as getting Scott’s attention.
The book's purpose is to show how young teens also experience emotions that feel enormous and world-changing, even in ordinary situations. Through its relatability geared toward tween and early teen audiences, the book explores themes of identity, friendship, and the ride of first love.
Opinion:
The Scott Fenwick Diaries by Kristin Nilsen surprised me as it captured exactly the confusing, funny, and emotional chaos of middle school but in a realistic and not exaggerated way. Unlike the majority of coming-of-age tales, this book didn't try to be too profound or melodramatic; it simply presented the everyday life of an adolescent girl in a loose manner with honesty and humor, which made it highly relatable. Millie's diary entries were like reading my own diary entries, complete with overthinking, cringeworthy moments, and honest afterthoughts.
I liked best how the book took this mundane thing, a crush, and turned it into this wonderful novel about figuring out who you are. Millie's obsession with Scott Fenwick can be silly at first, but the more the story goes on, the clearer it becomes that she's learning about who she is through what she feels about him. The way that the author depicted this subtle growth without making it overblown or unrealistic was what made the reader continue reading. I also liked the easy-going and funny, but thoughtful, tone of the book. The use of diary form writing made it easy to read, and the pacing never allowed it to get dull or repetitive. While the book seems to be tweens-focused, I was still engaged in Millie's world as a teenager because how well Millie's first-person viewpoint reached me. Another thing that I thought was quite relevant was how the book portrayed friendship and insecurity despite the theme of the book being crushes.
Millie’s ups and downs with her best friend, along with her self-consciousness about how others see her, reflected the social pressure that most teens experience but rarely admit out loud. It reminded me how important it is to find comfort in being yourself, even when it feels like everyone else is figuring things out faster. In general, The Scott Fenwick Diaries was a comfort and reflection for me as a teenage girl. It made me remember that adolescent chaos is normal, and that it is the small moments that will end up teaching us most about ourselves. Kristin Nilsen's wit and compassion can be felt throughout the book, a delightful and moving experience for anyone who has ever been uncomfortable, uncertain, or hopeful about growing up.
Fitting well into the realistic fiction and romantic comedy genres, The Scott Fenwick Diaries offers a relatable and funny look at the highs and lows of middle school life, perfect for readers who enjoy coming-of-age novels about crushes, friendship, and finding confidence in who you are.
November 3, 2025
This is a great story about a first crush and all of the feelings involved with it. I love Millie’s character and all the things she worries about. Her crush Scott is so sweet and I wish everyone could find a crush as wonderful as he is. I love Millie’s embarrassing family and the other traumas of middle school. The lessons about of life, love, and friendship are not done in an obvious way. I can’t wait to share this one with students.
October 24, 2025
Love this sequel (and I’m not usually a fan of sequels). This one moved me. It might sound odd as a middle aged gay man that I enjoyed learning more about a 13 year old hetero girl’s view on life, and all the things that go on in that brain (crushes, insecurities, embarrassments, anxieties, paranoias, and, um, self reflection). What I love about reading is learning about things I know nothing about. And while I lived with them for a short time in the early 1980s, I know next to nothing about early teenagers. My takeaways here: Millie is lovely and funny. She’d be my friend in middle school and high school and college. Scott is a perfect crush. He’d easily be a best friend or in my friend group. I’d really like to be more like him come to think of it (standing up to bullies, putting himself out there). But oh, my… Pringles! Pringles made me cry.
July 29, 2025
The Scott Fenwick Diaries serves as a sequel to The Worldwide Crush, but both books can be read as standalones.
Millie has finally decided to move on from her celebrity crush and focus on her real-life crush, Scott Fenwick. They've shared lots of angsty moments of passing notes, exchanging glances across the classroom, and the occasional shared wave. Millie suspects Scott likes her too but is too shy to make the first move. Feeling uncertain about the rules of dating or how to truly connect with a crush, she pours all her thoughts and details about her encounters with Scott into her diary.
At home, Millie's life is even more chaotic since her grandmother Cheryl moved in temporarily while her place is being renovated. Adding to the mix is her great-grandmother Phyllis, who often requests trips to Target from Millie and her mom, a task that's not as easy as it sounds. At least at school, Millie can always count on her best friend, Shauna to consult her magic 8 ball to answer Millie's questions about Scott. Even Tibbs, Scott's next-door neighbor offers to help Millie to get closer to him by inviting her to ride with them to Hebrew school. In the end, Millie gets an invitation to Scott's Bar Mitzvah and hopes she can finally summon the courage to share her feelings with him, and most importantly, figure out if he feels the same way. But when the pivotal moment finally arrives on the dance floor, Millie panics and pulls away from him. Will Scott feel like she rejected him? And what should she do now?
The Scott Fenwicks Diaries is filled with the angsty teenage feelings of one's first crush, the fear and doubt of whether they feel the same way, and all the flutters and butterflies when your eyes suddenly lock across the classroom. Millie experiences it all in a big fashion. While I can't relate to her obsession over Scott, her feelings toward her first crush are really relatable and come off realistically. First crushes are awkward; they bring out our insecurities, cause us to second guess everything we think, even lead to that confusing feeling of does he like me or not? Millie's difficulty in putting trust in someone else with her feelings is a feeling that most people have experienced at some point in their life. I'm sure that the story will resonate with readers who are starting to date. There are so many little sweet moments that Millie and Scott share, with my favorite being when Scott draws a heart on Millie's shoe.
I loved reading Millie's diary, especially her adorable acrostic poems. While there wasn't much drama, the humor and some embarrassing moments kept the story lighthearted and engaging. I also appreciated how Millie became a better friend, learning to listen to Shauna more, as her fixation on Scott caused her to overlook important things happening in Shauna's life. I'd recommend this to readers who enjoyed The Kissing Booth, To All the Boys I've Loved Before and readers looking for a really sweet tween romance story.
A huge thank you to Media Masters Publicity for the Paperback ARC
Millie has finally decided to move on from her celebrity crush and focus on her real-life crush, Scott Fenwick. They've shared lots of angsty moments of passing notes, exchanging glances across the classroom, and the occasional shared wave. Millie suspects Scott likes her too but is too shy to make the first move. Feeling uncertain about the rules of dating or how to truly connect with a crush, she pours all her thoughts and details about her encounters with Scott into her diary.
At home, Millie's life is even more chaotic since her grandmother Cheryl moved in temporarily while her place is being renovated. Adding to the mix is her great-grandmother Phyllis, who often requests trips to Target from Millie and her mom, a task that's not as easy as it sounds. At least at school, Millie can always count on her best friend, Shauna to consult her magic 8 ball to answer Millie's questions about Scott. Even Tibbs, Scott's next-door neighbor offers to help Millie to get closer to him by inviting her to ride with them to Hebrew school. In the end, Millie gets an invitation to Scott's Bar Mitzvah and hopes she can finally summon the courage to share her feelings with him, and most importantly, figure out if he feels the same way. But when the pivotal moment finally arrives on the dance floor, Millie panics and pulls away from him. Will Scott feel like she rejected him? And what should she do now?
The Scott Fenwicks Diaries is filled with the angsty teenage feelings of one's first crush, the fear and doubt of whether they feel the same way, and all the flutters and butterflies when your eyes suddenly lock across the classroom. Millie experiences it all in a big fashion. While I can't relate to her obsession over Scott, her feelings toward her first crush are really relatable and come off realistically. First crushes are awkward; they bring out our insecurities, cause us to second guess everything we think, even lead to that confusing feeling of does he like me or not? Millie's difficulty in putting trust in someone else with her feelings is a feeling that most people have experienced at some point in their life. I'm sure that the story will resonate with readers who are starting to date. There are so many little sweet moments that Millie and Scott share, with my favorite being when Scott draws a heart on Millie's shoe.
I loved reading Millie's diary, especially her adorable acrostic poems. While there wasn't much drama, the humor and some embarrassing moments kept the story lighthearted and engaging. I also appreciated how Millie became a better friend, learning to listen to Shauna more, as her fixation on Scott caused her to overlook important things happening in Shauna's life. I'd recommend this to readers who enjoyed The Kissing Booth, To All the Boys I've Loved Before and readers looking for a really sweet tween romance story.
A huge thank you to Media Masters Publicity for the Paperback ARC
July 21, 2025
Copy provided by the publisher
In this sequel to Worldwide Crush, Millie is back home and settling back into school. Topmost in her mind is Scott Fenwick, a super cute boy who seems as interested in her as she is in him! There are passed notes, lingering glances, and Scott even talks to her! Of course, interrupting her constant need to document every interaction she has with her crush in her diary are all of the annoying things real life throws at her. Her grandmother Cheryl (who is delightful) is still staying with the family while her retirement condo is being renovated, and helps a lot with Millie's younger brother Billy. Her great grandmother Phyllis is in an assisted living facility, but likes to be taken out to Target (which takes FOREVER) and is also trying to fix Millie up with another of the residents' grandsons, Kendrick. Her best friend, Shauna, is worried that her father will move back from California with his new wife, and things will be weird. Still, Millie manages to think about and dissect every small action Scott takes. What does it mean that he wants to hang out with her after school? Her friend Tibbs is his neighbor, and manages to arrange some opportunities for the two to hang out, like an elaborate plot for Millie to get a ride to Hebrew school from Scott's mother so that she can be in the back seat while carpooling with Tibbs. Scott's mother is super cool, but wants to check with Millie's parents before she drops Millie off, but invites her to Scott's Bar Mitzvah. This sets a lot of planning in motion, and Millie has to negotiate with her parents so they don't embarass her. There's also an unfortunate incident where Phyllis, who is staying with the family as well, let's Millie's dog, Pringles, out, and he suffers an injury. Throughout all of this, Millie is eddying in a maelstrom of emotions surrounding her relationship with Scott, and wondering if she is doing everything she is supposed to.
Millie's obsession is completely realistic, and her experiences will resonate with tween readers who are navigating similiar new relationships. While I personally prefer romance books to have a secondary plot so that there is something for the main character to do besides obsess about a love interest, my students are fine with Millie's type of thinking and rethinking of events, because their souls have not, in the words of my older daughter "shrunken in the wash and given you a wedgie" like mine apparently has. The notebook, complete with acrostic odes to Scott, the machinations to "accidentally" meet Scott, and the sweet moments like when he doodles a heart on the bottom of her tennis shoe will give readers reassurance that their own crushes are not unusual, and may have a happy ending, just like Millie's.
I love how involved Millie's family is with her life, because many books don't show enough of how irritating family can be! Younger siblings require a lot of care, parents have unreasonable expectations like singing tunes from The Sound of Music at the school talent show, and grandmothers can be helpful, but also embarrassing. The negotiations Millie conducts with her parents about their behavior at the Bar Mitzvah are brilliant. My favorite quote where Millie describes her mother's behavior perfectly sums up my entire experience with my younger daughter's teen years: "She loves me so much that she's doing her best to ignore me, just like I asked. It feels good."
Teachers and librarians who are my age (i.e. a little younger than Grandma Cheryl) will appreciate all of the shout outs to popular culture of our youth, and I HIGHLY recommend the podcast that Nilsen does with Caroline Cochrane and Michelle Newman, The Pop Culture Perservation Society. Nilsen, who is also works in a school library, not only remembers her own tween years vividly, but has a good feel for what has changed and what has stayed the same for girls who are tweens now.
Romance books always circulate well with my students, and readers who enjoyed Angela Darling's Crush books or Suzanne Nelson's Wish books will adore having a ringside seat to Millie's romance with Scott. While this is a sequel, it could also be read alone, although readers won't want to miss all of the references to the fictional pop culture sensation that was Rory Calhoun, especially since Millie frequently quotes his songs.
In this sequel to Worldwide Crush, Millie is back home and settling back into school. Topmost in her mind is Scott Fenwick, a super cute boy who seems as interested in her as she is in him! There are passed notes, lingering glances, and Scott even talks to her! Of course, interrupting her constant need to document every interaction she has with her crush in her diary are all of the annoying things real life throws at her. Her grandmother Cheryl (who is delightful) is still staying with the family while her retirement condo is being renovated, and helps a lot with Millie's younger brother Billy. Her great grandmother Phyllis is in an assisted living facility, but likes to be taken out to Target (which takes FOREVER) and is also trying to fix Millie up with another of the residents' grandsons, Kendrick. Her best friend, Shauna, is worried that her father will move back from California with his new wife, and things will be weird. Still, Millie manages to think about and dissect every small action Scott takes. What does it mean that he wants to hang out with her after school? Her friend Tibbs is his neighbor, and manages to arrange some opportunities for the two to hang out, like an elaborate plot for Millie to get a ride to Hebrew school from Scott's mother so that she can be in the back seat while carpooling with Tibbs. Scott's mother is super cool, but wants to check with Millie's parents before she drops Millie off, but invites her to Scott's Bar Mitzvah. This sets a lot of planning in motion, and Millie has to negotiate with her parents so they don't embarass her. There's also an unfortunate incident where Phyllis, who is staying with the family as well, let's Millie's dog, Pringles, out, and he suffers an injury. Throughout all of this, Millie is eddying in a maelstrom of emotions surrounding her relationship with Scott, and wondering if she is doing everything she is supposed to.
Millie's obsession is completely realistic, and her experiences will resonate with tween readers who are navigating similiar new relationships. While I personally prefer romance books to have a secondary plot so that there is something for the main character to do besides obsess about a love interest, my students are fine with Millie's type of thinking and rethinking of events, because their souls have not, in the words of my older daughter "shrunken in the wash and given you a wedgie" like mine apparently has. The notebook, complete with acrostic odes to Scott, the machinations to "accidentally" meet Scott, and the sweet moments like when he doodles a heart on the bottom of her tennis shoe will give readers reassurance that their own crushes are not unusual, and may have a happy ending, just like Millie's.
I love how involved Millie's family is with her life, because many books don't show enough of how irritating family can be! Younger siblings require a lot of care, parents have unreasonable expectations like singing tunes from The Sound of Music at the school talent show, and grandmothers can be helpful, but also embarrassing. The negotiations Millie conducts with her parents about their behavior at the Bar Mitzvah are brilliant. My favorite quote where Millie describes her mother's behavior perfectly sums up my entire experience with my younger daughter's teen years: "She loves me so much that she's doing her best to ignore me, just like I asked. It feels good."
Teachers and librarians who are my age (i.e. a little younger than Grandma Cheryl) will appreciate all of the shout outs to popular culture of our youth, and I HIGHLY recommend the podcast that Nilsen does with Caroline Cochrane and Michelle Newman, The Pop Culture Perservation Society. Nilsen, who is also works in a school library, not only remembers her own tween years vividly, but has a good feel for what has changed and what has stayed the same for girls who are tweens now.
Romance books always circulate well with my students, and readers who enjoyed Angela Darling's Crush books or Suzanne Nelson's Wish books will adore having a ringside seat to Millie's romance with Scott. While this is a sequel, it could also be read alone, although readers won't want to miss all of the references to the fictional pop culture sensation that was Rory Calhoun, especially since Millie frequently quotes his songs.
August 2, 2025
For seventh grade Millie, there is more to think about than just classwork. Though she is often hanging out with friends, supporting her aging relatives, or surviving school, her thoughts are more commonly centered around a certain Scott Fenwick who sits near her in social studies class. Having a real-life crush is very different from the emotions Millie has harbored for celebrity Rory Calhoun, however, and Millie is frequently overwhelmed by the experience. Luckily, Millie's best friend Shauna is there to support her every step of the way, and through the tumult and unpredictability, Millie learns not only how to trust her own heart but also how to determine what is really important in her own life. This fast-paced, cleverly written middle grade story comes straight out of the mind of a seventh grade girl realizing her first crush. Recounted in the first person, the narrative is filled both with Millie’s robust internal dialogue and with her actual conversations with people in her life. Humor and heart are blended into every passage, bringing an awkward, cheesy smile to the reader's face as the plot unfolds. Though Scott Fenwick is often at the center of Millie’s thoughts, however, important weight is given to the friendship between Millie and Shauna, especially as Shauna is figuring out her own place in the world. This friendship, similar to most resonant relationships, anchors Millie and helps her to better understand her bigger feelings and how to navigate them. Brief chapters and a recognizable story arc give the novel a strong forward momentum, and anyone who has ever identified as a middle grade girl will feel seen through Millie’s experiences. Deliciously honest in its delivery, this is a nostalgic and feel-good addition to contemporary fiction collections for older tween readers.
January 5, 2026
The Scott Fenwick Diaries: A Novel is a charming, laugh-out-loud middle grade story that captures the joys, awkwardness, and uncertainty of growing up. Kristin Nilsen masterfully balances humor with heart, giving readers an authentic glimpse into the life of Millie as she navigates friendships, first crushes, and family antics.
What makes this book especially engaging is the relatability of Millie’s experiences. From navigating her first real life middle school crush to dealing with quirky family members and loyal friends, every scene is infused with humor, warmth, and insight. Nilsen’s writing is lively, clever, and perfectly pitched for tweens and teens, offering a story that entertains while gently exploring themes of trust, self discovery, and friendship.
At its core, The Scott Fenwick Diaries celebrates the messy, funny, and wonderful process of growing up. It encourages readers to trust themselves, embrace awkwardness, and cherish the bonds that make childhood memorable. This is a book that middle grade readers and anyone remembering the highs and lows of that age will thoroughly enjoy.
What makes this book especially engaging is the relatability of Millie’s experiences. From navigating her first real life middle school crush to dealing with quirky family members and loyal friends, every scene is infused with humor, warmth, and insight. Nilsen’s writing is lively, clever, and perfectly pitched for tweens and teens, offering a story that entertains while gently exploring themes of trust, self discovery, and friendship.
At its core, The Scott Fenwick Diaries celebrates the messy, funny, and wonderful process of growing up. It encourages readers to trust themselves, embrace awkwardness, and cherish the bonds that make childhood memorable. This is a book that middle grade readers and anyone remembering the highs and lows of that age will thoroughly enjoy.
July 11, 2025
A fun tween misadventure of emotions, friendships, and expectations.
Millie has another crush, but this time IRL. The relatable characters are a joy to journey with, each dealing with the awkwardness of Middle school in their own way. It's a sweet and awkward exchange of 7th slow burn 'romance', wrapped up in kindness, friendship, and acceptance. (Which we all needed more of in middle school)
Kristin Nilsen delivers another round of witty characters and antics that keep you guessing till the very end if Millie's crush even likes her.
There is some focus on the differences between Judaism and Catholicism, which are done in very kind and appropriate ways. There is no cussing per se, but the characters do interject cussing substitutes that have similar inflections. There's some talk on kissing, naturally, and a little about French kissing (Billy's technique is best), and a couple of non-specific references to sex.
Mature middle grade readers (12+) will feel seen, understood, and encouraged by Millie's story arc.
Millie has another crush, but this time IRL. The relatable characters are a joy to journey with, each dealing with the awkwardness of Middle school in their own way. It's a sweet and awkward exchange of 7th slow burn 'romance', wrapped up in kindness, friendship, and acceptance. (Which we all needed more of in middle school)
Kristin Nilsen delivers another round of witty characters and antics that keep you guessing till the very end if Millie's crush even likes her.
There is some focus on the differences between Judaism and Catholicism, which are done in very kind and appropriate ways. There is no cussing per se, but the characters do interject cussing substitutes that have similar inflections. There's some talk on kissing, naturally, and a little about French kissing (Billy's technique is best), and a couple of non-specific references to sex.
Mature middle grade readers (12+) will feel seen, understood, and encouraged by Millie's story arc.
May 27, 2025
First, thank you to Media Masters Publicity for the advanced copy of THE SCOTT FENWICK DIARIES, and the opportunity to review this adorable book.
After years of worshipping singer Rory Calhoun posters in her bedroom, seventh grade Millie finally has a crush IRL. Is it her imagination, or is Scott Fenwick glancing her way from time to time in social studies? Her best friend Shauna seems to think Scott likes Millie, and she's suggesting ways to let him know she's into him, too.
Now begins the note passing, texting, waving back and forth in the hall at school and even while shopping at Target. Turns out they have a lot in common, however, sometimes communication gets lost in translation.
Author Kristin Nilsen combines middle school love life with hilarious viewpoints, quirky family members, loveable pets, and life questions in this laugh-out-loud new novel. With a release date in July, THE SCOTT FENWICK DIARIES is sure to delight readers.
After years of worshipping singer Rory Calhoun posters in her bedroom, seventh grade Millie finally has a crush IRL. Is it her imagination, or is Scott Fenwick glancing her way from time to time in social studies? Her best friend Shauna seems to think Scott likes Millie, and she's suggesting ways to let him know she's into him, too.
Now begins the note passing, texting, waving back and forth in the hall at school and even while shopping at Target. Turns out they have a lot in common, however, sometimes communication gets lost in translation.
Author Kristin Nilsen combines middle school love life with hilarious viewpoints, quirky family members, loveable pets, and life questions in this laugh-out-loud new novel. With a release date in July, THE SCOTT FENWICK DIARIES is sure to delight readers.
December 21, 2025
The Scott Fenwick Diaries understands something many middle-grade novels miss: that first real crush feels monumental, even when it’s awkward, confusing, and hilariously doomed.
Millie’s world is bursting with the kinds of characters kids actually lean on best friends with strange belief systems, eccentric relatives with unfiltered wisdom, pets who feel like emotional anchors, and neighbors who take matchmaking far too seriously. The humor lands because it’s grounded in genuine vulnerability, not punchlines at a child’s expense.
What makes this book especially strong is its refusal to rush emotional growth. Millie isn’t “fixed” by romance; she’s strengthened by self-trust and friendship. The story celebrates embarrassment as part of learning and treats emotional readiness as something that arrives on its own timeline.
Funny, tender, and deeply relatable, this is a book that reassures readers they’re not behind they’re just growing
Millie’s world is bursting with the kinds of characters kids actually lean on best friends with strange belief systems, eccentric relatives with unfiltered wisdom, pets who feel like emotional anchors, and neighbors who take matchmaking far too seriously. The humor lands because it’s grounded in genuine vulnerability, not punchlines at a child’s expense.
What makes this book especially strong is its refusal to rush emotional growth. Millie isn’t “fixed” by romance; she’s strengthened by self-trust and friendship. The story celebrates embarrassment as part of learning and treats emotional readiness as something that arrives on its own timeline.
Funny, tender, and deeply relatable, this is a book that reassures readers they’re not behind they’re just growing
August 21, 2025
Step yourself back in time, to middle school and being 12 or 13 and having that very first crush on that cute boy or girl in your class. Big feelings while being unsure of how any of this works! Remember Judy Blume books? Kristin is the Blume for today's middle school set!
Kristin remembers and will spark your memories well. Friendships and crushes and note writing and shy waves...and a family trying to understand and be supportive!
This book is a sequel to her first novel, Worldwide Crush, which deals with that first celebrity crush! Reading them both took me right back to my crushes on Shaun Cassidy and Paul Michael Glaser, the boys in junior high that became my boyfriends, and how we all managed to get through those first feelings and flutters of "I really like him" and childhood love.
Kristin remembers and will spark your memories well. Friendships and crushes and note writing and shy waves...and a family trying to understand and be supportive!
This book is a sequel to her first novel, Worldwide Crush, which deals with that first celebrity crush! Reading them both took me right back to my crushes on Shaun Cassidy and Paul Michael Glaser, the boys in junior high that became my boyfriends, and how we all managed to get through those first feelings and flutters of "I really like him" and childhood love.
July 26, 2025
This book is an absolute gem—equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and sneakily wise. In Millie Jackson, Kristin Nilsen has created a character who is awkward and earnest, self-deprecating and wildly observant—basically, the middle schooler we all were.
“The Scott Fenwick Diaries” is laugh-out-loud funny and deeply relatable as it chronicles the chaos and comedy of first crushes, embarrassing family members, and life as a middle schooler. For adults…it’s a reminder of just how weird, wonderful, and formative those years really were.
Kristin Nilsen has managed something rare: a book that entertains, validates, and surprises across generations. If you’ve ever survived middle school—or are still recovering from it—you’ll find a kindred spirit in Millie Jackson.
“The Scott Fenwick Diaries” is laugh-out-loud funny and deeply relatable as it chronicles the chaos and comedy of first crushes, embarrassing family members, and life as a middle schooler. For adults…it’s a reminder of just how weird, wonderful, and formative those years really were.
Kristin Nilsen has managed something rare: a book that entertains, validates, and surprises across generations. If you’ve ever survived middle school—or are still recovering from it—you’ll find a kindred spirit in Millie Jackson.
June 3, 2025
Just as she did with her debut, “Worldwide Crush,” author Kristin Nilsen has wormed her way into my adolescent self and expressed all my fears, feelings, questions, longings, and roller-coaster emotions — this time relating not to a celebrity crush but to a REAL LIFE one. I laughed out loud (many, many times) … I cringed … I cheered … and yeah, I cried. Sure, it’s a middle-grade novel, but I dare any grown adult not to find the relatability and connection and to their younger self in the pages of this book. “The Scott Fenwick Diaries” is not just pure delight, but affirmation that none of us were alone, even though we were all so certain we were.
August 31, 2025
I really enjoyed Worldwide Crush, but I think I liked The Scott Fenwick Diaries even more. Obviously at almost 60, I'm not this book's target audience, but it did an excellent job of transporting me back to the mortifying agony and ecstasy of early teenage crushes.
It's about so much more than crushes, too. It's also about families and friendship. As part of the current Sandwich Generation, I related so hard to Millie's mom, trying to meet the needs of kids (and in my case grandkids) and parents with grace and balance.
It made me laugh out loud more than once and even got me pretty choked up.
It's about so much more than crushes, too. It's also about families and friendship. As part of the current Sandwich Generation, I related so hard to Millie's mom, trying to meet the needs of kids (and in my case grandkids) and parents with grace and balance.
It made me laugh out loud more than once and even got me pretty choked up.
January 2, 2026
Kristen has done it again. She has whisked me all the way back to 13 year old me. This story (the sequel to her amazing Worldwide Crush) had me turning pages so fast, I had to pace myself. I finished it in two days. I can’t write more without major spoilers but if you were a tween in love, read this book.
K - Kristin writes the best stories
R- Really understands the heart of tweens
I- Instantly transports readers back in time
S- Shaun Cassidy was my first crush, too!
T - T. L. A. Was written on the bottom of my white Chucks when I crushed (unsuccessfully) for D. D.
I - I Love your Books!
N - Never stop writing! High school next!
K - Kristin writes the best stories
R- Really understands the heart of tweens
I- Instantly transports readers back in time
S- Shaun Cassidy was my first crush, too!
T - T. L. A. Was written on the bottom of my white Chucks when I crushed (unsuccessfully) for D. D.
I - I Love your Books!
N - Never stop writing! High school next!
May 31, 2025
Thank you to Media Masters Publicity for an advanced copy of The Scott Fienwick Diaries.
Just after her celebrity crush ends in Worldwide Crush, Millie Jackson moves on to her first real-life crush. Along with all the emotions and unpreparedness of navigating middle school love, Millie has to endure family embarrassment, friendship woes, and communication issues. This book perfectly captures the emotions and the fun middle school life and is a good, clean romance for middle schoolers. The release date is July 2025, and you will want this on your shelf for your students this fall!
Just after her celebrity crush ends in Worldwide Crush, Millie Jackson moves on to her first real-life crush. Along with all the emotions and unpreparedness of navigating middle school love, Millie has to endure family embarrassment, friendship woes, and communication issues. This book perfectly captures the emotions and the fun middle school life and is a good, clean romance for middle schoolers. The release date is July 2025, and you will want this on your shelf for your students this fall!
September 17, 2025
“Holy Cheez-Its!” Kristin soars AGAIN with her second YA novel, “The Scott Fenwick Diaries”.
In mere seconds, Kristin takes us back to the awkwardness, the joy, and innocence of our middle school selves. Millie and her best friend, Shauna remind us of long summer days, writing in diaries, calling the local radio station to request our favorite songs, and hoping our middle school crush would notice us. “The Scott Fenwick Diaries” is a must read for all ages!
In mere seconds, Kristin takes us back to the awkwardness, the joy, and innocence of our middle school selves. Millie and her best friend, Shauna remind us of long summer days, writing in diaries, calling the local radio station to request our favorite songs, and hoping our middle school crush would notice us. “The Scott Fenwick Diaries” is a must read for all ages!
October 7, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and was happy to receive it. The giveaway package I received was amazing--it was packaged in a pink box, included chocolates, stickers and more. It was a nice surprise and made me excited to read the book. A coming-of-age middle-grade comedy for teens and tweens with the honest truth about the angst, uncertainty of pursuing your first love and self-acceptance.
September 17, 2025
Millie is the perfect awkward 7th grader. She navigates her first IRL crush with the aid of her BFFs and “support” from her zany family. You will LOL and cheer for Millie from page one. Technically this is the sequel to World Wide Crush, but you can definitely read it as a stand alone. What are you waiting for? Buy it or check it out from your local library. You’re gonna love it.
September 18, 2025
This is a page turner that brings me back to being 13 with big feelings! It is well written and filled with characters that we can all relate to!! And the respectful way religion and culture is described! Thank you! I can’t recommend this enough!!!
May 7, 2025
I had a chance to read an advanced copy of TSFD, and Nilsen has crafted a winning and worthy sequel to her delightful Worldwide Crush. Highly recommend!
September 17, 2025
he Scott Fenwick Diaries is witty, ridiculous, and oddly relatable. I didn’t just read it—I devoured it with a grin on my face.
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