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Face Forward #2
In the second book of this satisfying young middle-grade series, Abby McAdams has to deal with a lack of privacy, the onset of puberty, and all the other problems that can come with being a preteen!
Abby McAdams knows that BIG things are heading her way.
Her eleventh birthday. Fifth-grade graduation. The end of elementary school! There's also the end-of-year overnight camping trip, and she can't wait to practice her science skills. Additionally, Abby suspects she’s probably going to get her period any day now. But after a few false alarms, she's not quite so sure. Can Abby navigate new emotions, friendship dynamics, and her changing body—all while figuring out what kind of person she wants to be?
With plenty of humor and heart, this is an encouraging story of self-discovery, transformations, and forging your own path.
Abby McAdams knows that BIG things are heading her way.
Her eleventh birthday. Fifth-grade graduation. The end of elementary school! There's also the end-of-year overnight camping trip, and she can't wait to practice her science skills. Additionally, Abby suspects she’s probably going to get her period any day now. But after a few false alarms, she's not quite so sure. Can Abby navigate new emotions, friendship dynamics, and her changing body—all while figuring out what kind of person she wants to be?
With plenty of humor and heart, this is an encouraging story of self-discovery, transformations, and forging your own path.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published December 30, 2025
About the author
Megan E. Bryant
132 books34 followersI've counted books among my friends for as long as I can remember. I was born in Santa Monica, California, though that beautiful city is just one of many places I've called home; my family moved ten times before I graduated from high school. Moving so frequently gave me many opportunities to experience new places, meet new people, and make new friends . . . but it could be lonely, too, especially while I adjusted to a new town or school. When I felt homesick for people and places far away, I knew that I could always turn to my books, familiar friends who traveled everywhere I did. Reading so much inspired me to write my own stories and poems, on topics ranging from birds and snowflakes to castles and talking pasta (really!).
Looking back, all that reading and writing was the perfect preparation for my dream job: writing for children and young adults. I moved to New York City for college and after graduating from New York University with a degree in Dramatic Literature, I worked as a children's book editor for five years. Another move—this time with my husband—led me to close my eyes, hold my breath, and take the leap to become a full-time writer. It was the best decision I ever could've made.
I've lived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for five years (that's almost a record for me) with my family, and I thank my lucky stars every day for the good fortune to write for kids and teens.
When I'm not writing, I'm . . .
Knitting obsessively, just like my grandmother did (if there's a knitting gene, I got it from her)
Drinking another pot of tea
Doodling on a 3 x 5 index card
Attempting to decipher the cryptic Post-It notes stuck to my desk
Reading voraciously, especially nonfiction or current events
Cooking vegetarian food (or, more likely, making dessert)
Trying to save my garden from a fearless band of marauding squirrels
Cuddling with my cat and wrestling with my dog
Covering my kids with kisses
(copied from the author's website)
Looking back, all that reading and writing was the perfect preparation for my dream job: writing for children and young adults. I moved to New York City for college and after graduating from New York University with a degree in Dramatic Literature, I worked as a children's book editor for five years. Another move—this time with my husband—led me to close my eyes, hold my breath, and take the leap to become a full-time writer. It was the best decision I ever could've made.
I've lived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for five years (that's almost a record for me) with my family, and I thank my lucky stars every day for the good fortune to write for kids and teens.
When I'm not writing, I'm . . .
Knitting obsessively, just like my grandmother did (if there's a knitting gene, I got it from her)
Drinking another pot of tea
Doodling on a 3 x 5 index card
Attempting to decipher the cryptic Post-It notes stuck to my desk
Reading voraciously, especially nonfiction or current events
Cooking vegetarian food (or, more likely, making dessert)
Trying to save my garden from a fearless band of marauding squirrels
Cuddling with my cat and wrestling with my dog
Covering my kids with kisses
(copied from the author's website)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 21, 2026
3.5 stars
Abby in Between: Face Forward is the second book in Megan E. Bryant’s middle-grade series. It follows tween Abby as she navigates growing up—friend drama, family squabbles, and the approach of puberty.
Abby is a relatable protagonist. She’s often annoyed by her mother, loses her temper with her brother, and overthinks life’s details. Her awkward, authentic journey will resonate with readers.
Bryant tackles difficult topics with refreshing straightforwardness and sensitivity. She normalizes conversations about periods and body changes, providing a resource for young readers as they navigate their own transformations. Given the book's 7-11 target age range, parents of younger children not yet ready for details on puberty should be forewarned.
Tween friendships can be challenging, and Abby’s complex relationship with Savannah is proof of that. Although they are in the same friend group, Savannah often exhibits "mean girl" behavior, making them more "frenemies" than supportive allies. By showing Abby’s internal struggle to maintain her kindness despite Savannah’s nastiness, the story offers hope to a reader feeling caught in the middle of a complicated friend group.
Overall, Abby In Between Face Forward is a relatable, honest, and much-needed story for any reader navigating the messy and often confusing 'in-between' years.
This review first appeared on YA Books Central and can be found here:
https://yabookscentral.com/face-forwa...
Abby in Between: Face Forward is the second book in Megan E. Bryant’s middle-grade series. It follows tween Abby as she navigates growing up—friend drama, family squabbles, and the approach of puberty.
Abby is a relatable protagonist. She’s often annoyed by her mother, loses her temper with her brother, and overthinks life’s details. Her awkward, authentic journey will resonate with readers.
Bryant tackles difficult topics with refreshing straightforwardness and sensitivity. She normalizes conversations about periods and body changes, providing a resource for young readers as they navigate their own transformations. Given the book's 7-11 target age range, parents of younger children not yet ready for details on puberty should be forewarned.
Tween friendships can be challenging, and Abby’s complex relationship with Savannah is proof of that. Although they are in the same friend group, Savannah often exhibits "mean girl" behavior, making them more "frenemies" than supportive allies. By showing Abby’s internal struggle to maintain her kindness despite Savannah’s nastiness, the story offers hope to a reader feeling caught in the middle of a complicated friend group.
Overall, Abby In Between Face Forward is a relatable, honest, and much-needed story for any reader navigating the messy and often confusing 'in-between' years.
This review first appeared on YA Books Central and can be found here:
https://yabookscentral.com/face-forwa...
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January 11, 2026staff rec blurb for libro.fm, jan 26: Abby McAdams is back in book 2 of the Face Forward series, & the life of a preteen is moving as fast as ever! Follow Abby as she navigates privacy, puberty, friendship, & the end of elementary school. Parents, if you loved Judy Blume's Margaret Simon, your daughter will love Abby McAdams!
May 31, 2026
I found out when I finished rrading that this is a sequel, but it certainly can be read as a stand alone. I am way older than the main character and the target audience, but I found it very realistic. The characters appeared solid, even though I can’t imagine being opposed to taking showers like Abby. It deal with family conflicts, peer pressure, and puberty in a compassionate way.
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February 27, 2026Story of rising 6th grader anticipating getting her period.
Did not read
Did not read
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews