Gib deinem Glück eine Chance, Keiko Carter

by Debbi Michiko Florence

Muss man immer alle glücklich machen?

In diesem Schuljahr soll alles anders werden. Keiko, Jenna und Audrey, beste Freundinnen für immer und ewig, kommen in die 7. Klasse und sind nun offizielle Teenager – höchste Zeit also, sich einen festen Freund für den Herbstball zu schnappen! Das findet zumindest Audrey. Jenna hat dagegen keine Lust, ständig nach Audreys Pfeife zu tanzen. Und Keiko steht, wie immer, dazwischen. Dabei will sie doch nur, dass alle glücklich sind und Spaß miteinander haben, so wie früher! Für Keiko steht fest: Sie muss das Trio zusammenhalten, den süßen Gregor als Date für den Herbstball gewinnen und nebenbei noch die Eheprobleme ihrer Eltern lösen. Doch wie soll sie das alles schaffen, und was wünscht Keiko sich eigentlich selbst?

Genres: Middle Grade, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Audiobook

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2020

About the author

Debbi Michiko Florence is the author of upper middle grade novels Sweet and Sour, Keep It Together, Keiko Carter, Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai, and This Is How I Roll. She has a debut middle grade series called Last Chance Academy. Book 1, A Study in Secrets, is coming on March 11, 2025! She is also the author of three chapter books series including Jasmine Toguchi with four new books, Follow Jasmine as she travels to Japan on vacation! And Debbi co-authored a picture book biography, Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites.

Her books have received starred reviews, JLG Selections, and inclusion on lists such as Amazon Best Books and the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best.

Reviews

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING AND YOU NEED TO GO PICK IT UP NOW BECAUSE IT'S FAB AND CUTE AND FLUFFY AND LOVE

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a Jenny Han book had a younger sister -- it would be this middle grade debut from Debbi Michiko Florence. Keiko's story was comparable to Lara Jean's in so many good ways. Not that this is a copycat, younger version of "To All the Boys. . ." This new MG novel is a read-alike that will make Jenny Han's style seem like a new friend you connect with instantly. Keiko's story does such a great job of showing the ups and downs of middle school friendship. The addition of dog rescue and basketball to the plot broadens the appeal for readers. I loved Keiko's obsession with chocolate. She and I would enjoy building a chocolate stash together. As Keiko matures through the story and learns more about herself, she is equipped to make better choices as well. Really well done!

Thank you to Scholastic and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cam (Lana Belova) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully crafted story with sunshiny vibes! My favourite from Debbi Michiko Florence. Thank you, Darla, so much for bringing this book to my attention 🩷

[Jessica]

This was such a cute middle grade read! Keiko has to deal with her mom working a lot and not spending time with her family, her best friends not getting along, and starting to like a boy. I'm not going to rate this one since I don't necessarily read middle grade for me but rather for recs for my students, but I would definitely recommend this one!

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best middle grade books read this year!
It deals with toxic friendships, grief, sibling conflicts, first love, racism, a family member with alcoholism, how divorce affects a child and healthy communication.

The writing is just really good!

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Good read; very spot on about middle-school friendship drama. Keiko was a lovable character; I cringed but also understood her reasons for being a “doormat” to make everyone around her happy.
I found Audrey to be a very unlikeable person; hard to believe Keiko and Jenna kept trying to be friends with her. And I cringed every time Audrey declared her absolute hatred for her brother(and it was because her parents had the nerve to give him attention and praise!) Her tantrums every time someone crossed her got very annoying, very quickly! She would have been someone I avoided like the plague!
Overall, I think middle-grade readers would relate well to this story. Maybe if there is a third book written from Audrey’s viewpoint someday, I’ll read it and try to relate to her. (Maybe).

[Ann Braden · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a pre-teen the book I read over and over (loving every page!) was FIFTEEN by Beverly Cleary. I just couldn't get enough of that combination of first love and finding the courage to be who you are no matter what others think. This book is the first one I've read since then that achieves that -- in the same glimmering way that makes me feel light on my feet! I love it so much and I stayed up late to finish it last night (which I never do!) but I just couldn't put it down. What a gem of of book this is. And now I CANNOT WAIT to read Jenna's story!

[Matti Karjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keiko on ihan tavallinen kalifornialainen koulutyttö, joka rakastaa suklaata ja odottaa jännityksellä yläkoulun alkamista yhdessä parhaiden ystäviensä Audreyn ja Jennan kanssa. Jotakin on kuitenkin muuttunut. Jenna on joutunut vanhempiensa eron vuoksi viettämään kesän toisessa osavaltiossa, eikä kaikki ystävyydessä olekaan enää niin helppoa ja vaivatonta kuin ennen. Kaikilla tuntuisi olevan vähän omanlaisensa suunnitelmia tulevan syksyn varalle. Sovittelunhaluinen Keiko joutuu tekemään kaikkensa, että paketti pysyisi kasassa.

Lisää ongelmia on kuitenkin tiedossa ja syynä siihen ovat tietysti pojat, jotka ovat alkaneet kiinnostaa ihan eri tavalla. Jenna ja Audrey ovat ihastuneet samaan poikaan, mikä aiheuttaa melko dramaattisia riitoja. Lisäksi koulussa on uusi oppilas, syötävän söpö Gregor, joka saa yhdellä jos toisellakin tytöllä sukat pyörimään jaloissa. Entä mikä rooli kaikessa on Audreyn idioottimaisella isoveljellä Connerilla?

Debbi Michiko Florencen "Homma hallussa, Keiko Carter" (WSOY, 2021) on sympaattinen romaani, jossa kuvataan realistisesti teini-iän kynnyksellä olevan tytön elämää ja ajatuksia. Valokeilaan nousevat ystävyyssuhteiden ongelmat, mutta myös vanhempien riidat ja perheen sisäinen dynamiikka. Kaikki ei käy aina niin kuin toivoisi ja joskus on opittava kuuntelemaan myös omaa sisintään, vaikka se merkitsisi jostakin luopumista. Tärkeitä teemoja, siis.

Keho muuttuu, menkat alkavat. Päähenkilön japanilaisamerikkalaisen taustan myötä kirjassa sivutaan myös miedosti monikulttuurisuutta ja rasismia.

Kohderyhmä tullee pitämään kirjasta. Kansikuvakin on onnistunut. Vinkkaukseen viitos-kuutos-seiskoille.

[Reetta Saine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kepoiseen ulkokuoreen ja perusjuoneen on lisätty mukavasti isojakin teemoja.

Luokalle tuleva uusi poika on supersöpö, mutta osoittautuu myös superihanmuuksi. Vuosia kestänyt ystävyys rakoilee, mutta Keiko on päättänyt pitää porukan koossa hinnalla millä hyvänsä. Koulukiusaajat heittelevät ilkeää läppää, mutta ihan niin yksinkertaista sekään ei ole.

Homma hallussa on kirja ennen kaikkea rajoista. Nuoren, amerikanjapanilaisen heterotytön itselleen ja muille asettamista rajoista, niiden haastamisesta ja loukkaamisesta sekä tietysti niiden puolustamisesta. Kirjassa on muitakin henkilöitä, joiden identiteettiä ja toimintaa käsitellään suhteellisen itsenäisesti.

Vaikka kirja on välillä aika uskomattomankin naiivi, se antaa myös aika selkeitä ohjeita ja herättää tylystikin ajatuksia emotionaalisen kiristämisen ja toisten ylikävelemisen tiimoilta.

[Niina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suklaan himoa herättelevä romaani seitsemännen luokan aloittavasta Keikosta. Hän on tottunut asettamaan muut itsensä edelle ja korjaamaan asioita, mutta kun vuosia kestänyt ystävyys on kariutumassa, kuvioon astuvat pojat, äiti ei ole koskaan kotona ja pikkusiskokin hiippailee salaa ulos, ovat kaikki hänen elämänsä peruskivet murenemassa.

Vaikka omasta seiskaluokan vuodestani on jo kauan, herätteli tämä kirja muistoja ja samoja tunteita kuin silloin muinoin.

[Laurie]

This book is such a delight! So many kids are going to relate to Keiko, who desperately wants to keep the peace between her two best friends and have an awesome seventh grade year as a group of three...but nothing is working out the way she hoped. I love the way this story explores all the giddy, awkward confusion of middle school crushes as well as friendships that have turned unhealthy and microaggressions that Keiko faces. It’s a fun, engaging, and thought-provoking story that will entertain and comfort many 5th-7th grade readers.

[DrunkenCherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dieses Buch spricht eine Zielgruppe zwischen 10 und 14 an, aber ich habe mich auch als Erwachsene sehr gut unterhalten gefühlt.
Denn die 12 jährige Keiko ist wirklich ein toller Charakter, den man einfach lieb haben muss. Sie hat zwei Freundinnen, die nur miteinander befreundet sind, weil Keiko als Bindeglied fungiert, eine chaotische Familie und erste Schmetterlinge im Bauch. Zu Beginn des neuen Schuljahres muss sie dann feststellen, dass sie lernen muss, dass sie es nicht allen recht machen kann und manchmal auch egoistisch denken darf.
Ich finde, dieses Buch vermittelt eine ganz wunderbare Botschaft. Denn natürlich ist Harmonie gut und man will sich nicht streiten, man darf sich aber auch nicht unterbuttern lassen.
Für das junge Publikum sind die Figuren recht stereotyp gehalten, was aber verständlich war. Einige der Nebenfiguren fand ich wirklich schrecklich – aber es war auch nicht so gewollt, dass man sie mochte.
Ich finde, es wird hier toll dargestellt, wie die erste Liebe funktioniert und wie frustriert man manchmal sein kann, wenn man sich von der Familie allein gelassen fühlt.
Dass es hier sogar einen Handlungsstrang gibt, der sich mit Rassismus beschäftigt, fand ich richtig gut und wichtig.
Allerdings fand ich das Ende etwas zu abrupt und zu radikal für einen Jugendroman. Die Freundschaft trat mir plötzlich zu sehr in den Hintergrund, egal, ob es darum geht, für sich selbst einzustehen oder nicht. Ein kleiner Epilog wäre echt schön gewesen.
Insgesamt ist es aber ein toller Jugendroman und ich würde mir auch die nächsten Bücher der Autorin holen.

[Christina Soontornvat · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughters and I read this aloud and we loved it! This is a very realistic portrayal of a group of friends whose lives and relationships are changing as they move through middle school. The humorous, loyal lead character is particularly easy to relate to (she loves all things chocolate!), and I loved that she had to struggle with a desire for everything to "just be fine". It's something that so many kids want and it can be hard to realize that life is never so smooth and easy. I also liked that the author gave young readers tools to combat racist microagressions and showed what positive romantic relationships look like for this age range. Also, the book is just really funny and so much fun! I hope this becomes a movie - we would be first in line to see it!

[JoJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun fact: I forced my library to buy this book because it was so great!

[Christina Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please Note: Review of an Advance Reader Copy. Book publishes May 2020.

It's a new school year, and for best friends, Keiko, Audrey, and Jenna, 7th grade should be epic! They'll be in some of the same classes, have lunch together, join a few clubs so they can hang out after school, and...this is the year that they're going to have boyfriends!  Sounds simple, right? But one misunderstanding leads to another, causing an irreparable rift in their friendship. When it comes down to having to decide between boyfriends and best friends, what will Keiko do?

I enjoyed getting to know Keiko and her heart for her friends and family. She is friendly, she is fair, and she does not like to stir up trouble. She really just wants everyone to be happy and she'll work to see to it that they are but it doesn't mean she has to do so at the expense of her own happiness. She shouldn't always have to be the one to compromise. It leads her to consider what true friendship really looks like. It's something we all have to consider at some point or another. 

Debbi Michiko Florence is the author of the Jasmine Toguchi series and the My Furry Foster Family series for young readers. Keep it Together, Keiko Carter is her debut middle grade book. It speaks to the reality of the complexities of middle school friendships. The highs and lows. Those really good moments where friends love each other like crazy, have each other's backs and are thick as thieves - best friends who are more like sisters. As well as the friendship fallouts over a misunderstanding, or simply the changing nature of their relationships as they start to mature, discover new interests, and sometimes grow apart.   

As a parent, I was especially pulled in, paying full attention to the changing relationship that was happening between Keiko's mother and their family. Mom's work-family balance was steadily tipping towards being more and more consumed with her job, and being less engaged with her husband and children. It worried Keiko because she'd seen Jenna's family go through a divorce and she didn't want that for her family. It angered Keiko because her mother wasn't there when she needed someone to talk to about all of the craziness that was disrupting her usually untroubled friendships. Yes, Keiko had proven herself to be mature and responsible, but it was not her job to fix everything or to make sure that everyone else was happy. She's at that age where she is rightfully flexing her independence muscles but at the same time still needs the guidance, comfort, and care of her family, especially from her mom.

I love this book because of the sweet subtle moments that happen along the way that warmed my heart. I also love this book and Keiko because she is a serious chocolate lover and because she makes a hot chocolate that sounds out of this world yummy! I hope that the finished copy of this book will have a recipe for her special, homemade spicy cocoa.

I would recommend this book to students in 5th grade and up, though it will likely appeal to readers in 4th grade too. As a mom who used to run a summer book club with my 15-year-old daughter when she was younger, I could see this book being a great choice to read with friends, as well as a good pick for a mother-daughter book club.

[CorniHolmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 Sterne

Als ich das erste Mal über „Gib deinem Glück eine Chance, Keiko Carter“ stolperte und erfuhr, dass das Buch vor allem jüngeren Schwestern von Jenny Han-Leserinnen empfohlen wird, war meine Neugierde umgehend geweckt. Ich liebe die Bücher von Jenny Han! Vor allem ihre Lara-Jean-Serie mag ich wahnsinnig gerne. Witzigerweise musste ich musste sogar schon, ehe ich das mit der kleinen Schwester las, beim ersten Blick auf das Cover sofort an die Lara Jean-Bücher denken. Irgendwie erinnert mich die Aufmachung voll an diese Reihe.
Da mich Klappentext und Cover von dem Buch direkt ansprachen, zögerte ich keine Sekunde lang und ließ es nur zu gerne bei mir einziehen.

Keiko kann das Ende der Sommerferien kaum mehr erwarten. Sie und ihre beiden besten Freundinnen Jenna und Audrey werden endlich in die 7. Klasse kommen und ganz bestimmt das beste Schuljahr ihres Lebens erleben. Doch dann soll alles ganz anders kommen. Bereits vor dem ersten Schultag kommt es zu Unstimmigkeiten zwischen den drei Freundinnen. Jenna hat genug davon, dass ständig alles nach Audreys Nase gehen muss und sie nun sogar das diesjährige Motto festlegen will, obwohl das immer Keikos Aufgabe war. Audrey aber bekommt mal wieder ihren Willen, daher lautet das Motto für dieses Jahr: Jungs. Der Herbstball steht schließlich kurz bevor – es ist also dringend an der Zeit sich einen festen Freund zu angeln. Zwischen Jenna und Audrey herrscht daraufhin dicke Luft und Keiko fühlt sich hin und her gerissen. Zu wem soll sie halten? Was kann sie nur tun, damit alle glücklich sind? Keiko muss das Trio unbedingt zusammenhalten, es soll alles wieder so sein wie früher. Ihre langsam auseinander bröckelnde Freundschaft ist allerdings gerade nicht Keikos einziges Problem – auch bei ihr zu Hause läuft zurzeit nicht alles rund. Ihre Mum ist nur noch am arbeiten und kaum noch zu Hause. Und als wäre das alles nicht schon mehr als genug, wäre da dann auch noch der Herbstball. Wird sie ein Date dafür finden? Oje, wie soll Keiko dass alles nur schaffen?

Dies war mein erstes Werk aus der Feder von Debbi Michiko Florence und es wird ganz bestimmt nicht mein letztes gewesen sein! Mir hat das Buch wunderbare Lesestunden bereiten können. „Gib deinem Glück eine Chance, Keiko Carter“ hat mir einfach genau das beschert, was ich mir erhofft habe: Eine entzückende Teeniegeschichte mit einer bezaubernden Lara-Jean-ähnlichen Wohlfühlatmosphäre und der genau richtigen Mischung aus Leichtigkeit, Ernst, Herz, Drama und Tiefgang. Ich persönlich finde, dass der Vergleich mit den Werken von Jenny Han durchaus gerechtfertigt ist. Die Story ist zwar schon recht anders als „To all the boys I‘ve loved before“, aber vom Feeling her hat sie mich irgendwie dennoch ein bisschen daran erinnert. Also ich kann allen Jenny Han-Fans nur empfehlen Keiko Carter kennenzulernen. Das Buch mag für eine jüngere Zielgruppe sein, ja, aber in meinen Augen ist es auch für deutlich ältere Leser*innen vollkommen lesenswert.

Ich habe prima in die Handlung hineingefunden. Der lockere, jugendliche Schreibstil gefiel mir auf Anhieb – für mich hat er sich angenehm flüssig lesen lassen – und unsere fast 13-jährige Ich-Erzählerin Keiko habe ich sofort in mein Herz geschlossen.
Keiko ist so jemand, den man einfach sofort liebhaben muss. Sie ist gutherzig, aufrichtig und schüchtern, sie denkt stets zuerst an andere und will am liebsten immer alle glücklich machen, sie ist eine große Hundeliebhaberin und eine ihrer größten Leidenschaften ist Schokolade. (Ich sollte vielleicht besser mal vorwarnen: Dieses Buch macht enorm Appetit auf Schokolade. Mein Tipp daher: Deckt euch vor dem Lesen besser gut mit Schoki ein. ;)

Aber zurück zu Keiko. Obwohl ich inzwischen einige Jährchen älter bin als unsere Romanheldin habe ich mich dank der realistischen Darstellungsweise ihrer Empfindungen und Gedanken jederzeit mühelos in sie hineinversetzen können und mich in so manchen Dingen in ihr wiederfinden können. Auch ich bin, wie Keiko, ein sehr harmoniebedürftiger Mensch und so jemand, der ständig versucht an alten Zeiten festzuhalten. Und als Teenager bin ich ebenfalls überhaupt nicht gut damit klargekommen, wenn sich Freundschaften verändert haben oder auseinandergegangen sind. Ich habe Keiko daher nur zu gut verstehen können, dass die Wendungen, die das neue Schuljahr für sie mit sich bringen werden, sie völlig aus dem Gleichgewicht bringen. Keiko wird aber eine großartige Entwicklung durchmachen, sie wird erkennen, dass man es nun mal nicht immer allen recht machen kann und dass Veränderungen zum Erwachsenwerden einfach dazu gehören.

Neben Keiko haben mir auch die Nebenfiguren richtig gut gefallen. Ich kann nun zwar nicht behaupten, dass mir alle sympathisch waren, aber gestört hat mich dieser Aspekt nicht. Ein paar Unsympathen müssen doch zudem auch irgendwie sein, oder? Wäre doch langweilig, wenn es niemanden geben würde, über den man sich bei dem Lesen so schön aufregen kann, oder? ;)
Ich habe jedenfalls alle Charaktere, egal ob liebenswert oder nicht, als authentisch und glaubhaft empfunden. Besonders gerne mochte ich Jenna. Jenna fand ich echt klasse, sie ist tough, selbstbewusst und immer für Keiko da. Mit Audrey dagegen bin ich bis zum Schluss nicht warmgeworden. Ich fand Audrey wenig sympathisch, sie ist egoistisch und in meinen Augen keine gute Freundin. Also ich hätte es an Keikos und Jennas Stelle nicht lange mit ihr ausgehalten. Da mochte ich Audreys großen Bruder Connor eindeutig viel lieber. Anfangs fand ich ihn noch ziemlich blöd, aber dies hat sich sehr schnell gewandelt. Er ist, anders als der neue Mitschüler Gregor, ein total lieber Kerl. (Gregor fand ich einfach furchtbar.)

Auch die Story konnte mich überzeugen. Ich muss zwar sagen, dass mir für die volle Sternenzahl letztendlich dann doch etwas gefehlt hat – irgendwie wollte dieser allerletzte Funken nicht komplett überspringen – aber begeistert bin ich dennoch, auf jeden Fall.
Debbi Michiko Florence behandelt in „Gib deinem Glück eine Chance, Keiko Carter“ viele wichtige und für die Zielgruppe relevante Themen wie Freundschaft, die erste Liebe, Familie und Selbstfindung. Auch ernstere Dinge werden angesprochen wie Rassismus, Enttäuschung, Scheidung und Verlust. Die Story vermittelt bedeutsame und starke Messages, sie macht Mut und regt sehr zum Nachdenken an, zugleich zaubert sie einem aber auch immerzu ein Schmunzeln auf die Lippen und ist trotz der teils sehr schwierigen Themen eine warmherzige und superniedliche Wohlfühllektüre.
Mir hat es sehr gut gefallen wie die Autorin all diese Themen behandelt: Feinfühlig, leicht und authentisch und mit der genau richtigen Portion Humor.

Da mich die Handlung durchweg mitreißen konnte und an keiner Stelle Langeweile für mich aufkam, habe ich das Buch quasi in einem Rutsch durchgelesen und musste mich für meinem Geschmack viel zu schnell von Keiko und Co. verabschieden. Über ein Wiedersehen mit ihnen würde ich mich sehr freuen! Die Geschichte endet zwar recht abgeschlossen, enthält aber definitiv Potenzial für weitere Bände. Also ich fände es toll, wenn es sich hierbei um einen Reihenauftakt handeln würde und wir mit Keiko noch einige weitere aufregende Schuljahre erleben dürften.

Fazit: Eine wunderschöne Coming-of-Age-Geschichte voller Herz, Charme und Schokolade!
Debbi Michiko Florence hat mit „Gib deinem Glück eine Chance, Keiko Carter“ einen zuckersüßen Teenieroman ab 11 Jahren aufs Papier gebracht, mit welchem ich eine herrliche Lesezeit verbracht habe. Das Buch ist unterhaltsam und ernst zugleich, es steckt voller herzerwärmender Momente und wichtiger Botschaften und macht einfach nur glücklich (und große Lust auf Schokolade). Ich kann „Gib deinem Glück eine Chance, Keiko Carter“ nur empfehlen und vergebe 4,5 von 5 Sternen!

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep It Together, Keiko Carter is a strong middle-grade debut, perfect for anyone who enjoys middle-grade books about friendships. Parents and teachers who want to encourage their middle schoolers to stand up for themselves in the midst of a toxic friendship would do well to hand this book to them. At the end, it’s so important to learn that some friendships end, and that’s OK. Finally, it’s a breath of fresh air to read a book with a half-Japanese protagonist who deals with racism, but also just lives a normal life. I also loved that although Jenna’s on honor roll, Keiko is just a regular student; not all Asians are “geniuses.”

In case you couldn’t tell, I adored this novel and would highly recommend it!

Read my full review on my blog .

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book I am a Middle schooler about Keikos age and I appreciate that it is not acting like Middle schoolers play with my little pony, Also I like how it shows real life issues (racism and minor sexism ) I developed a appreciation for reading after I read this book I am currently reading and so far it is AMAZING I really hope Debbi Michiko Florence creates a book about either Aubree Connor and/or Rin OR another book about Keiko.

[anna ੈ✩‧₊˚ · Rating 2 out of 5]

kiva ja nopealukuinen tarina!

[margaraa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have given this book 10 stars if I could. I would have literally finished it in the same day if I had the time. It's just perfect and so cute to read! I recommend it so muuuuuuuuch!

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars: ★★★★ 1/2
Keep It Together, Keiko Carter is a charming middle grade novel! Keiko is tackling friendship, family, school, first love and more. Despite her fear of change, at its core this is a story about balancing all the things in life while also achieving your own happiness. An utter delight, Keiko's journey shines!

↠ Keep It Together, Keiko Carter Book Review 🍫💕

This book is everything I needed right now and wow did I LOVE it! Keiko is starting 7th grade and she's ready to tackle what comes her way. But when her friend Audrey insists they try to find boyfriends and Jenna growing tired of following Audrey, the trio runs into some obstacles along the way. Keiko's mom is busy at work, her little sister Macy is keeping secrets, she's trying to please everyone and make sure they're all happy. But can she figure it all out?

Michiko Florence's writing is what captivated me! Keiko's voice just leaps off the page and I loved following her journey throughout this novel. Lots of chocolate and humor through her character too. There's lots of issues she's trying to solve, but at the same time she's also fearing the change around her. Throughout the novel are many themes exploring the fears of change, friendship drama, family, sibling dynamics and the hurdles of life, all are explored with such care, becoming highlights of the story!

Keiko has always been close with her friend Audrey, Jenna and after the summer the trio can finally be reunited. However, with Audrey's insistence and personal flaws of her own, it makes Keiko's unsure of how to get her friend group together again. However, Keiko slowly learns she can confide and rekindle her friendship with Audrey's older brother Connor. She learns she likes basketball and can talk about everything she can't with her friends. Their relationship was so well developed, seeing Keiko's growth throughout the book was fantastic!

Character development is a highlight throughout this novel! Not only are all of the characters realistic, relatable, but its easy to see that everyone has their own problems in life and its not always one person's responsibility to deal with it all. Keiko's learning that people can grow and change, she also learns it isn't always a bad thing despite the difficulties along the way.

Keiko who is biracial, half Japanese-American and white embraces her culture and I loved how it was explored throughout the novel + Jenna is Japanese-American.

There's nothing I particularly disliked, it was fantastic! Obviously though as an older reader, there were hints and plot points I could predict early on, but the journey getting there was so meaningful, full of heart and such a fantastic read!

Keep It Together, Keiko Carter is a phenomenal middle grade novel that tackles friendship, love, family, life, and the concept of change! With such well-developed themes, great characters, heartfelt messages, and a fantastic main character, this is a sweet, charming middle grade! A must read!

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delightful read that centers around the transition from grade school to middle school. The family relationships, friendships, and first crushes, as well as tougher issues of bullying, divorce, forgiveness, and racism made this a well-rounded read that I highly recommend for middle grade readers. And don't forget to peek under the dust jacket on the hard cover for all the hearts embossed on the front cover--a cute and smilely surprise for me.

[Lisa]

Very cute, with some good lessons on friendship and learning how to put yourself first.

[Jada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bonded with Keiko and Jenna, though Keiko's obsession with chocolate was concerning, it made up at least 60% of her diet.

Overall, there were a few typos, and the chapter transitions were kind of abrupt, but I did like the writing style; simple, sweet, creative.

The subtlety in the romance department was nonexistent, but I didn't expect a lot of suspense. Content-wise, there a few mentions of an alcoholic, racism, and girl talk.

[Minna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vaaleanpunaista jenkkihöttöä teinien ihmissuhdepulmista. On ongelmia, pelkoa, toiveita, valintoja, kuten ihmiselämässä yleensäkin, mutta jenkkityyliin. Keiko on esimerkki ihmisestä, joka haluaa, että kaikilla on hauskaa ja hyvä olla, mutta unohtaa itsensä, oman onnensa ja omat valintansa. Hän tekee valintoja, joita luulee omikseen, mutta tähtäävät toisten onnellistamiseen ja ristiriitojen välttämiseen. Tavallaan tunnistan itseni Keikosta. Masentavaa. Audrey alkoi ärsyttää ja pahasti. Jenna ok, mutta jotenkin sivuroolissa. Conner liian täydellinen lopulta, Gregor ällö. Eli ihmisten arkkityyppejä oli kirjassa, ja oivallista empatiajumppaa.
Oivallinen kirja vinkattavaksi 7.lk.

[May · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you were to spell out the words written on the doormat, it'd be K-E-I-K-O.

Plot - ★★★

The story starts off with the trio's friendship already on the frays. Seems like over the course of their break, Jenna realized there was a world beyond her friends while Keiko stayed sucking up to Audrey's whims. I loved the toxic friendship and Keiko's toxic positivity storyline. I think children as young as they are should learn how to identify people who carry good intentions for them and be able to know that change is uncomfortable, but it's not always necessarily bad. I didn't really have much appreciation over the messy family storyline. With a mom who's supposedly a genius government officer, she forgets to tell her family why she's been going out to dinner with a superior? Not even through text? I almost thought she was a closeted lesbian who finally had the courage to cheat on her husband with a woman. Come on, I think I needed more than that. After the family finished fixing their issue, we got Keiko's mom's apology, but I thought Keiko would finally be able to rant to her mom about her friendship troubles and get some good advice because she's been raving about her mom giving good advices, but all I got was her mom rehashing a Pinterest emo quote. Throughout the story, I hated Keiko's naivete. While it's understandable that she's in middle grade, it was annoying how she kept choosing Audrey over and over again despite it being shown to her face how Audrey would willingly drop her like hot fudge in a split second over a boy, or over anything she thinks is more worthy paying attention to at the moment. The kid was a plain doormat through and through. Also, incredibly dense to people treating her bad that it forced Jenna and Conner to scream it to her face.

Setting - ★★

Nothing much to say.

Writing Style - ★★★★

Love they way Florence wrote character introspections. Feels like I'm in Keiko's head. She totally excels at it. The dialogues are on-point as well.

Characters - ★★★

1. I know Keiko's purpose is supposed to wake up and adapt. I get it. But she is only able to actualize her realization when the book was already about to end. She was still the same lame doormat, especially when it comes to Audrey. Like how can you still call her your best friend when she dated someone who was being incredibly racist to you? I hate how Keiko didn't even discuss how incredibly harmful it was for her friend to switch up on her like that. Instead of a proper confrontation with Audrey to revamp and finally settle things as someone who's learning to grow out of her people-pleasing tendencies, she invites Audrey back into her home and allows her to judge Keiko for the decisions she made while they were separated. She was a coward until almost at the very end, when she finally realizes, in the most anticlimactic way that Audrey was a total bitch and a spoiled brat.
2. Jenna and Conner, on the other hand, were the only ones who had a backbone. Loved it when Jenna said: “I’m serious. She’s such a drama queen, and she kind of proved to me just what kind of friend she is. I don’t miss her.” It didn't even take long for Jenna to realize that this middle school friendship is dead and there's no going back to a friend who doesn't even care about you beyond her own selfish intentions.
3. Audrey is a fiery antagonist. Hate her. What a bitch. I don't care if she's a kid. I'd smack her backhanded if I can. And Gregor? Keiko should've kicked his balls. Keiko's confrontation was nothing but elementary banter. Talking about "You're such a jerk!" nye-nye... How is that even half as savage as his racist insults? That was an unfair fight and also incredibly half-assed because as a Southeast Asian, I would've had him by his hair and knocked him on the ground.

Coherence - ★★★

I don't agree with Keiko's character choices but they made sense for a stoic, WAsian girl, whose world revolved around only three friends (+1 if we add Connor to the mix), and lacked the experience to differentiate a good friend from a bad one. I kind of wish we got more background about her that involves her family. She's the eldest sister and it was mentioned how her parents relied on her too much, but I didn't get to read about her being an overly responsible child. She went to Macy's theater rehearsal but that's about the most elderly sibling thing she's done for her throughout the storyline. She was always out and about, living a normal childhood, so I didn't really have it in me to connect with what her mother said about her. As much as she's supposedly a control freak (coined by Conner), she's none of that (?). I don't know if I'm even making sense.

Pacing - ★★★★

Pacing isn't bad. It's medium and done well. Though the Audrey storyline was a bit dragged out with an anticlimactic resolution.

Dynamics - ★★★

I'm not entirely in love with Keiko's relationship with Jenna and Macy. She only ever started reaching out for Jenna when she realized her fallout with Audrey was pretty serious. But prior to that, she chose Audrey for most of the time. She didn't interact much with Macy and was almost entirely like her mom—too preoccupied to even care. However, Keiko and Conner clicked for me instantly. They were good as friends and as romantic partners. Just sad he had to suffer being Keiko's second choice for the second time again. Glad, he's not anymore because he didn't deserve it. Took Keiko way too long, but it's forgivable.

Engagement - ★★★★

I wasn't exactly engaged with the first arc of the story. I was daydreaming while reading—a talent I discovered just recently—so I had to reread some paragraphs all over. Either way, the story picked up quicker than expected and I was delighted with all the friendship drama. Wish the resolution was more satisfying.

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★⋆ ┊ . ˚
˚★

“You don’t have to, you know. You’re allowed to pick whatever you want when it’s your turn. You don’t have to make everyone happy all the time.”

“Stop stalling, Conner Lassiter.”
He laughed softly. “I like the way you say my name.”
My breath caught.

Cute teenager stuff!

“You said you could be friends with Audrey and me, but it’s obvious you can’t. You’ll choose Audrey every time, even though she treats you like dirt. If that’s what you really want, fine! I just want you to be happy. Don’t you?”

How it felt reading Keiko fuck up for the second time around:

I choose you, Conner. I told Audrey. I know you’re mad at me, and I don’t blame you. But even if you never talk to me again, I still choose you.

Conner and I were like my spicy hot chocolate. The ingredients didn’t seem like they’d go together, but they did. And not everyone liked the blend. It was unique, special, and appreciated by only a few.

Overall, a great children's drama story. I wish Keiko had more fire in her though.

[MMatchak · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a librarian in a 4th-7th grade environment, I’ve witnessed the change in girls’ friendships from the time they walk into the building as 9 year olds to the time they leave as 13 year olds. This book was a perfect representation of changing middle school girl relationships and how that change can totally take a person by surprise and be difficult to navigate. It also was a fantastic example of how important it is to be able to stick up for yourself, but also how hard it can be when you either want things to stay the same or you just want to fit in.

[Lys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just so, so good. It is a perfect in between MG and YA book, and the voice is super strong. Keiko is a totally endearing and earnest protagonist, and so many tweens/teens will relate to her. I also love that this is a story of crushes, school dances, and friendship drama, but also racism and toxic friendships. Keiko realizes that a friendship that doesn't make her happy isn't one worth having, and I think this is such an important thing for tweens/teens to read.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent one time read! It's cute, it's funny, and it gave me butterflies. 🦋🦋🦋 It made me remember my elementary and junior high best friends and crushes. It's about accepting change and allowing others make choices and finding what makes you happy. Oh, and chocolate. It's about chocolate!

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this should be recommended for any age because my grandma hates my book choices but she enjoyed this one. SO PLEASE READ THIS!!!