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TBH #3
TBH, Too Much Drama
Cece, Gabby, and Prianka can’t wait for Spirit Week, aka the last week of school before summer break! And they’re already making plans for the best summer ever—including a friends-only camping trip, plenty of pool time, and a top-secret shared notebook.
But between Pajama Day and pizza parties, Gabby accidentally leaks Cece’s most embarrassing secret to the whole school in a meme that goes viral. Half the squad thinks it’s no big deal, but Cece needs a time-out from all the drama—even if that means taking a break from her best friends.
But between Pajama Day and pizza parties, Gabby accidentally leaks Cece’s most embarrassing secret to the whole school in a meme that goes viral. Half the squad thinks it’s no big deal, but Cece needs a time-out from all the drama—even if that means taking a break from her best friends.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2019
117 people are currently reading
1287 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Greenwald
37 books481 followersA long bio can be kind of boring, so instead I'm going to pretend
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 21, 2019
I will never not read these.
March 13, 2019
I read this one because we weren't sure which shelf to put it on. In our library, we don't have a special section for tweens: it's either YA or it's juvenile. And while the rest of the series is in juvenile already, one of the characters in this one slowly realizes she has a crush on her neighbor, a girl. We have a lot of helicopter parent/patrons, who tend to be extremely conservative and there was some concern from staff that having this book shelved in juvenial might be problematic.
Here's my hot take on that: the characters are 12 and the whole entire story takes place over the last 5 days of school. I don't want to put this book in YA, not just because I don't want to split up the series into separate sections, but because true YOUNG ADULTS do not want to read about characters who are TWELVE.
Shelving things that we're concerned might be too controversial for someone, somewhere over in YA so they won't stumble on it in juvenial is just bad collection development. Is the idea to make books EASIER for patrons to find? Or is the idea to hide them where no one knows to complain about them?
Just hoping that any parents who get upset about Cecy's crush on Mara, can handle the discussion of it with at least as much maturity as Cecy and Mara do themselves. Cecy writes in her journal that she knows it's NBD (no big deal) for girls to have crushes on girls or boys on boys, whatevs. That's not why the crush is hard to navigate. It's more because Mara is her neighbor and good friend, and she is afraid to rock that boat. In the end, she and Mara kind of remove themselves from the spotlight at a birthday party and have a talk about it. Mara tells Cecy that she's glad they had the talk, and all, but she's just not sure she has the same feelings. She's not really into boys or girls yet, but she just wants to stay friends over the summer and see how things go. Cecy takes it pretty well, sends out an SOS text to her friends who she had not previously told about her crush, and they support her without incident.
Nicely handled.
I hope parents can handle it with the same grace that twelve year olds showed each other.
Here's my hot take on that: the characters are 12 and the whole entire story takes place over the last 5 days of school. I don't want to put this book in YA, not just because I don't want to split up the series into separate sections, but because true YOUNG ADULTS do not want to read about characters who are TWELVE.
Shelving things that we're concerned might be too controversial for someone, somewhere over in YA so they won't stumble on it in juvenial is just bad collection development. Is the idea to make books EASIER for patrons to find? Or is the idea to hide them where no one knows to complain about them?
Just hoping that any parents who get upset about Cecy's crush on Mara, can handle the discussion of it with at least as much maturity as Cecy and Mara do themselves. Cecy writes in her journal that she knows it's NBD (no big deal) for girls to have crushes on girls or boys on boys, whatevs. That's not why the crush is hard to navigate. It's more because Mara is her neighbor and good friend, and she is afraid to rock that boat. In the end, she and Mara kind of remove themselves from the spotlight at a birthday party and have a talk about it. Mara tells Cecy that she's glad they had the talk, and all, but she's just not sure she has the same feelings. She's not really into boys or girls yet, but she just wants to stay friends over the summer and see how things go. Cecy takes it pretty well, sends out an SOS text to her friends who she had not previously told about her crush, and they support her without incident.
Nicely handled.
I hope parents can handle it with the same grace that twelve year olds showed each other.
May 21, 2019
Another extremely fun entry in this exquisite series that explores growing older with grace (and a lot of emojis.😊) I can't wait to read the next book in this uniquely designed series.😍😀😎
January 4, 2022
let's go lesbos
September 6, 2023
why am i enjoying this
December 30, 2020
How fitting that the last book of the year is a silly pick. I needed something fun for such a serious 2020. Here’s to many good moments in 2021. 🍾🍸
January 31, 2019
Cute little text based story. A good read for the middle grades!
February 4, 2019
its a good book 10 and up though
December 10, 2024
I loved it.
April 23, 2019
Find my full review here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
TBH, TOO MUCH DRAMA is a short book that primarily takes place over texts, but also has some emails, essays, journal articles, and passed notes. The core BFFs, Cece, Gabby, and Prianka are excited for the end of their middle school year. They are also carrying their worries in their group messages. Mainly, they are nervous about turning in their school computers which may have some personal data, bra shopping with their mothers, and memes they created that have gone viral and hurt the people they referred to. Some of the girls are also dealing with crushes- and one with something more challenging- her crush is on another girl.
What I loved: The fun format moves quickly and readers can quickly engage with the unique style of the book. With the plotlines included, this is a great and thought-provoking book for the middle grade audience. For instance, when we do things we think are funny (like memes), do we consider the consequences? It also shows how easily/quickly something like that can go viral. There’s also some good diversity amongst the girls who are budding into adolescence, and this also carries some helpful messages for preteens.
What left me wanting more: The challenge in reading this book is that a lot of it is in emojis and textspeak (abbreviations). While I knew most of them, there were a couple that had me flipping to the key at the end, which breaks up the flow of the book. This is a minor thing, as I assume the middle grade audience will know all of these even more quickly than I did.
Final verdict: This fast middle grade read is perfect for young audiences who will relate to the problems of the best friends and give pause as to what we put out there in the virtual world. With some other great themes (LGBT, personal reflections), this book speaks to middle grade readers in a highly approachable way. Great for people looking for unique formats and fun contemporary fiction.
TBH, TOO MUCH DRAMA is a short book that primarily takes place over texts, but also has some emails, essays, journal articles, and passed notes. The core BFFs, Cece, Gabby, and Prianka are excited for the end of their middle school year. They are also carrying their worries in their group messages. Mainly, they are nervous about turning in their school computers which may have some personal data, bra shopping with their mothers, and memes they created that have gone viral and hurt the people they referred to. Some of the girls are also dealing with crushes- and one with something more challenging- her crush is on another girl.
What I loved: The fun format moves quickly and readers can quickly engage with the unique style of the book. With the plotlines included, this is a great and thought-provoking book for the middle grade audience. For instance, when we do things we think are funny (like memes), do we consider the consequences? It also shows how easily/quickly something like that can go viral. There’s also some good diversity amongst the girls who are budding into adolescence, and this also carries some helpful messages for preteens.
What left me wanting more: The challenge in reading this book is that a lot of it is in emojis and textspeak (abbreviations). While I knew most of them, there were a couple that had me flipping to the key at the end, which breaks up the flow of the book. This is a minor thing, as I assume the middle grade audience will know all of these even more quickly than I did.
Final verdict: This fast middle grade read is perfect for young audiences who will relate to the problems of the best friends and give pause as to what we put out there in the virtual world. With some other great themes (LGBT, personal reflections), this book speaks to middle grade readers in a highly approachable way. Great for people looking for unique formats and fun contemporary fiction.
July 24, 2020
'TBH: Too Much Drama' by Lisa Greenwald is another one of her creative stories told in text messages, emails, and diary entries. Main characters Cece, Gabby, and Prianka are excited for Spirit Week, for which there is a week-long calendar presented at the beginning of the book. It is a handy way to know the book is staying on track and keeping readers invested in what is on deck for the next event.
Summer break is around the corner and the girls are eager to plan their time together. Somehow, though, in predictable fashion (the book is called 'TBH, Too Much Drama,' after all), a secret gets revealed that has Cece wondering just how she'll escape the embarrassment and torment that she is sure will befall her.
Best friends, games, food, community service, and more make up Spirit Week at Yorkville Middle School. Cece, Gabby, Prianka, Victoria, and some other friends use the week to try to come to terms with the end of the year, what's coming next, and the secrets that some of them fear will tear them apart. There is plenty of drama to go around, but also plenty of growth, truth, kindness, and compassion from a group of middle school students who often surprise themselves and each other by showing their worries are unfounded and that life can be much simpler if you take the time to just be yourself.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Welcome to Chanu-Con!,' a Children's Picture Book, and Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
Summer break is around the corner and the girls are eager to plan their time together. Somehow, though, in predictable fashion (the book is called 'TBH, Too Much Drama,' after all), a secret gets revealed that has Cece wondering just how she'll escape the embarrassment and torment that she is sure will befall her.
Best friends, games, food, community service, and more make up Spirit Week at Yorkville Middle School. Cece, Gabby, Prianka, Victoria, and some other friends use the week to try to come to terms with the end of the year, what's coming next, and the secrets that some of them fear will tear them apart. There is plenty of drama to go around, but also plenty of growth, truth, kindness, and compassion from a group of middle school students who often surprise themselves and each other by showing their worries are unfounded and that life can be much simpler if you take the time to just be yourself.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Welcome to Chanu-Con!,' a Children's Picture Book, and Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
September 22, 2025
There is a good story line in this book about a Hindu boy who has to move schools because he’s being bullied for being Muslim, even though he’s Hindu, not Muslim.
The girls also learn to be careful what you text and say online. Nothing is private. And you must be careful who you share private information with. They may share it with the whole school.
The author balances teenage independence with honest relationships with parents. Some things are ok to be kept secret, and some things need to involve parents. She also brings up the milestone of bra shopping, which embarrasses the girls.
I like how the gay character is handled. It was pretty obvious she had a crush on her neighbor, so when that was revealed I wasn’t surprised. I like that it was just a fact and the girl said something like, “it wasn’t weird because girls can like girls and boys can like boys. It was weird because she’s my neighbor.” Her friends accept the fact also. It’s not a lot of drama. I appreciate how the book true to life for teens, but not overly dramatic. And I like that, even though there is a lot of obsession over boys for some of the characters, there isn’t a lot of dating or anything. Just mention of one awkward kiss that’s pretty brushed over.
The girls also learn to be careful what you text and say online. Nothing is private. And you must be careful who you share private information with. They may share it with the whole school.
The author balances teenage independence with honest relationships with parents. Some things are ok to be kept secret, and some things need to involve parents. She also brings up the milestone of bra shopping, which embarrasses the girls.
I like how the gay character is handled. It was pretty obvious she had a crush on her neighbor, so when that was revealed I wasn’t surprised. I like that it was just a fact and the girl said something like, “it wasn’t weird because girls can like girls and boys can like boys. It was weird because she’s my neighbor.” Her friends accept the fact also. It’s not a lot of drama. I appreciate how the book true to life for teens, but not overly dramatic. And I like that, even though there is a lot of obsession over boys for some of the characters, there isn’t a lot of dating or anything. Just mention of one awkward kiss that’s pretty brushed over.
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April 20, 2021I literally read this in an hour. My favorite part is when one of the characters is writing an essay and she writes, "school was hard, (crosses it out,) awkward (crosses it out), interesting. Hilarious! Idk if this is just me, but I found all of their moms planning to go bra shopping together and emailing about it strange. Everyone is different but I thought that it was usually just between a daughter or mom (or whoever else she trusts in life), not in a big group, even if it is your closest friends
July 26, 2022
This was an okay book. It was the sort of book that is not boring and very easy to read but you speed through it and doesn't really leave you with anything. If you just want to be actively reading this is the book for that but if you want a good book there is much better. It is about these girls: Gabrielle, Cecily, and Prianka who are getting ready for spirit week at school but so much more is going on, a LOT of drama.
VERDICT: A good book to speed read, but it is not a book that is really worth reading
VERDICT: A good book to speed read, but it is not a book that is really worth reading
February 19, 2020
While these books are definitely sweet, this one starts talking about some things that parents may find inappropriate for their children to read. This book explores the sometimes uncomfortable topic of girls having crushes on other girls. I know some parents are not comfortable with their children reading about that kind of thing, so I wanted to give y'all a warning. Otherwise, this is another funny, sweet, and totally relatable book.
June 11, 2021
Read this whole book, front to back, in one sitting! Woo!
So. Relatable.
I absolutely love Lisa Greenwald's books. They are so relatable for middle-grade-aged girls, and it covers topics that we know we're all thinking about at this age (i.e., bras, boys, friendship drama, etc.).
Note: The whole TBH series is a perfect summer reading series or a beach read series. They are chill, but at the same time they hit just the right spot.
Yes, I would recommend this to friends. :)
So. Relatable.
I absolutely love Lisa Greenwald's books. They are so relatable for middle-grade-aged girls, and it covers topics that we know we're all thinking about at this age (i.e., bras, boys, friendship drama, etc.).
Note: The whole TBH series is a perfect summer reading series or a beach read series. They are chill, but at the same time they hit just the right spot.
Yes, I would recommend this to friends. :)
February 11, 2019
The boy craziness is dying down and the girls are starting to look forward to summer as the school year ends. New dramas arise as they realize that they have to turn in their school laptops - which they have been using for instant messaging all year and aren't sure they want the school tech department seeing everything they typed.
Good for ages 10 and up.
Good for ages 10 and up.
May 24, 2020
I loved this book a lot but there was one thing that bugged me, I was throughly annoyed that the boy was able to go threw the computers at the end of the year and see private information. However if you read the book you would know that it didn't end up that the boy was not able to see the girls stuff but it still annoyed me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2024
This was a real eye opener for me: I had no idea that this was the way so many young children communicated! When a group of friends (grade school girls) accidently post information that was to be 'secret' and for their group only the 'drama' starts! School is almost done for the year, summer vacation is just around the corner - can this group of friends work out their differences?
January 12, 2025
Style: 5/5. Texts, email, etc. Unique and cool.
Plot: 4/5. Not as interesting as previous books, the girls seem to be having drama about dumber things.
Characters: 4/5. Like I said, having drama about dumber things than previously
Idea: 5/5. Good job.
Win: Cool style, fun idea!
Lose: More unreasonable than previous books.
Plot: 4/5. Not as interesting as previous books, the girls seem to be having drama about dumber things.
Characters: 4/5. Like I said, having drama about dumber things than previously
Idea: 5/5. Good job.
Win: Cool style, fun idea!
Lose: More unreasonable than previous books.
August 2, 2020
I like how the girls (GABRIELLE,CECILY and PRIANKA) Became friends with VICTORIA’s BFFs 👯♀️ and I also like VICTORIA’s BFFs because they were super nice and had the idea 💡 to make a party 🎉 for There BFF VICTORIA.🥳👍
April 27, 2023
The story was quite average, but it was super fun to read to story on text format. I would probably re read it. I’m pretty sure the author has never texted a human in her life though, because these kids use SO MANY EMOJIS.
June 27, 2024
I love this book and the author who wrote it it made me look at texting it a whole new way and I love how this book teaches you to be yourself no matter what it was such a good read and inspiring and it teaches you that things on the web get leaked and be careful who you trust
January 17, 2019
2019 POP Sugar Challenge - A book with no chapters / unusual chapter headings / unconventionally numbered chapters
April 4, 2019
Awesome!I love it
September 12, 2019
As an adult, these stories take me less than an hour to finish. The crush that forms in this story is handled pretty well considering they’re about 11 or 12 years old.
November 8, 2019
Its isn't really that dramatic. Its really just about them texting about stuff from their school. I would recommend this book to people who like reading about peoples everyday lives.
December 7, 2019
Soo fun! I love Lisa Greenwald!
April 29, 2020
Daughter had me read it, super cute. Very age appropriate for tweens. Love the LBGTQ+ representation in it. ❤️❤️❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews