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Abby in Between #1
Ready or Not! #1
From prolific author Megan E. Bryant comes the first book in a young middle-grade series about nine-year-old Abby, a girl trying to grapple with all the chaos that can come from growing up.
For nine-year-old Abby McAdams, everything seems to be changing.
Her cousin and best friend, Zoe, has moved across the country, her mom is going back to work, and Abby is stuck in the only after-school activity still available--running--which she absolutely loathes. Her perspective on the world is changing, too, after an encounter in her community sheds light on the issue of homelessness in her town. On top of everything, sudden changes in Abby's body mean she has to deal with things like deodorant, bras, and uncomfortable conversations. And without her best friend by her side, she's not sure she can handle it all.
She's not a grown-up yet, but she definitely doesn't feel like a little kid anymore. She's Abby, in between.
For nine-year-old Abby McAdams, everything seems to be changing.
Her cousin and best friend, Zoe, has moved across the country, her mom is going back to work, and Abby is stuck in the only after-school activity still available--running--which she absolutely loathes. Her perspective on the world is changing, too, after an encounter in her community sheds light on the issue of homelessness in her town. On top of everything, sudden changes in Abby's body mean she has to deal with things like deodorant, bras, and uncomfortable conversations. And without her best friend by her side, she's not sure she can handle it all.
She's not a grown-up yet, but she definitely doesn't feel like a little kid anymore. She's Abby, in between.
208 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2022
About the author
Megan E. Bryant
133 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 30, 2023
Meet Abby, a modern-day Margaret Simon! (Hope everyone over 30 catches the literary reference!) She’s just finished third grade, and some changes are happening that she’s not altogether glad about. With her cousin/best friend; with her body; even within her family…
As a doctor in the book said, puberty starts earlier for girls now than it did a few decades ago. So this book would be a perfect read for those in upper elementary school who are becoming more aware of their bodies. I think they would think of Abby as almost a friend after reading this.
As a doctor in the book said, puberty starts earlier for girls now than it did a few decades ago. So this book would be a perfect read for those in upper elementary school who are becoming more aware of their bodies. I think they would think of Abby as almost a friend after reading this.
June 20, 2022
I found this delightful! "Bryant delicately captures the shock, embarrassment, and self-consciousness of a young girl at the onset of puberty and writes with true compassion for a preteen yearning for independence while still needing emotional support." [BCCB]
August 12, 2022
Abby has complicated feelings about the way her body is changing, and it doesn't help that her best friend has moved away and her parents are making her join a running club. The way she responds to everything is so authentic and that gives this a modern Judy Blume vibe.
February 9, 2022
Kids grow up. As much as parents dread puberty, there’s no putting it off. And it’s coming at an earlier age. That’s why books like Megan E. Bryant’s Abby In Between are so important. They help kids know that they’re not alone; that it’s OK to be scared; and that talking to a trusted adult can help.
Abby is overwhelmed. A lot of kids Abby’s age are overwhelmed. Abby is a character that kids can identify with — even if the changes she’s facing aren’t something they’ve encountered … yet. Abby is blindsided by those changes, and a book like this one can help prevent at least some of that in real life.
That’s not to say Bryant goes into too much detail. Each element is approached in a thoughtful way with parents and a pediatrician providing basic information. It offers a strong starting point for conversation with your own child.
And though Abby In Between does focus on physical changes, it also centers on personal, emotional growth through Abby’s friendships and relationships with her own family. It’s a smart, contemporary novel I won’t hesitate to hand to my own daughter in about a year.
Abby is overwhelmed. A lot of kids Abby’s age are overwhelmed. Abby is a character that kids can identify with — even if the changes she’s facing aren’t something they’ve encountered … yet. Abby is blindsided by those changes, and a book like this one can help prevent at least some of that in real life.
That’s not to say Bryant goes into too much detail. Each element is approached in a thoughtful way with parents and a pediatrician providing basic information. It offers a strong starting point for conversation with your own child.
And though Abby In Between does focus on physical changes, it also centers on personal, emotional growth through Abby’s friendships and relationships with her own family. It’s a smart, contemporary novel I won’t hesitate to hand to my own daughter in about a year.
March 25, 2022
This series opener fills a gap by offering a story about a younger girl (9) starting puberty as well as 4th grade and a new running club. Abby's concern about people who are homeless in her community is treated respectfully and the adults are honest about what a complex problem it is- but there is a way for Abby to make a meaningful contribution. It's a little pat, but that seems appropriate to the age group.
December 21, 2022
Whether Abby is ready or not, changes are coming! Her cousin/best friend is moving away. Her mom is going back to work. Her dad has a different job. Now, she her parents have enrolled in the only afterschool activity left--running. And Abby hates running. Oh and Abby's body is changing too. While it's a shorter juvenile fiction book, the puberty topics lead me to recommend this to end of 3rd or 4th and up. This book really captures the struggling communication between kids and their parents, especially as those kids start going through puberty, parents' lives are busier, and a whole lot of changes are happening. It moves at a good pace, but it was not as exciting as I look for in most books. Doesn't mean it's not a great book though. I do wish this book had a few illustrations since Abby draws, but I'm guessing that had to do with the author's abilities. It would have been nice for an illustrator to have been added to include some illustrations, especially of the flamingoes! For fans of the Invisible Emmie series or Stepping Stones.
April 15, 2022
I great book to introduce the topic of puberty because it offers a realistic portrayal of the emotions, thoughts and feelings of a young girl. I appreciated the understanding doctor and the un-embarrassed mother. I liked the fact that physical activity was valued. I don’t think Abby’s broken toes contributed to the storyline, so I am still pondering that. And I’m glad to read more books about friends who move apart, but remain friends rather than drifting apart.
August 28, 2022
How does the author manage to so perfectly capture the unsettled in-between feeling of not-yet-tweens? Truly impressive! I loved it, and was hearing "ohhhh"s of realization within minutes of handing it to my 9-yr-old niece. Give this to every pre-tween girl to help them understand their feelings and feel understood.
June 4, 2023
Ready or Not! falls into the trap of: too many 'issues' with none of them explored in any depth. You have bestie moving, no friends, family job changes, puberty, forced new situations, sibling issues, teacher drama... Any of these would have made a great topic for a book, but tossing them all in leaves the reader at surface level the whole book.
May 30, 2025
This book was very cute and informative for girls around age 8-11 going through puberty! It is very relatable for that age range! I read this to make sure it was appropriate for my own daughter and I absolutely approve! I know my daughter will love this book and she’ll be very excited for book 2 coming out end of this year.
Also the audio book narrator does a phenomenal job!
Also the audio book narrator does a phenomenal job!
February 23, 2022
Pitch perfect!
March 1, 2022
Loved it! Too cute!
July 14, 2022
The book is great for middle school girls. My daughter loved it. She wanted to know though, Is there more? Will there be a two?
July 17, 2022
This it a grate book about a girl tackling challenge
August 29, 2022
I love this book! Perfectly written with age-appropriate drama about puberty! Can't wait for #2.
October 26, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss or Netgalley
October 4, 2023
This is a great book to read with your tween daughter. It covers the awkwardness of puberty well and initiated several great conversations with my daughter.
August 11, 2024
Three stars for Abby In Between: Ready or Not! Interesting to have a book specifically about the early stages of puberty, written for a chapter-book/lower-MG reading level. I did feel like there were too many topics being attempted that didn't quite get connected to each other. Unsure if I will want to continue the series.
November 1, 2024
It's as if this book was written with my daughter in mind. I read it aloud to her, and she loved every chapter
March 16, 2025
My daughter could really relate to this character which I appreciated. It had a positive inspiring ending.
April 29, 2025
Really sweet story of growing up and trying new things. Good conversation start with puberty topics.
May 17, 2025
so cute! I wish I had this when I was younger!
October 13, 2025
Loved reading this with my daughter!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews