Common Sense Media Review
By Kya Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen girl deals with first crush, heartbreak in sweet tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In FIRST CRUSH, 13-year-old Lia has started to settle into her new life in Montreal. Her French is improving, she has an amazing group of friends, and is spending more time with her crush, Julien. Her periods are still terrible with no hope of improving, but what else is new? As her obsession with Julien grows, she fails to notice someone else's crush on her. There are so many new feelings and as they continue to snowball, the weight of it all threatens to crush Lia in the process. Can Lia maintain all the progress she's made at school or will her mistakes send her back to the drawing board?
Is It Any Good?
This wonderfully lighthearted read has great advice on how to survive a first heartbreak. First Crush is a charming and honest depiction of the highs and lows that accompany first crushes. Author-illustrator Cassandra Calin again realistically depicts Lia's entry into adolescence in such an endearing, authentic way that middle-grade readers will be immediately enthralled. Crushes and heartbreaks can be difficult experiences, but Calin's humor and expressive animation lighten what could otherwise be heavy moments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about empathy in First Crush. Lia isn't treated kindly by Jade, a new member of the magazine committee. However, when she notices that Jade has had an accident in the bathroom, Lia understands that Jade is embarrassed and offers help. When was the last time you put yourself in someone else's shoes and helped someone you may not always get along with? How did you feel afterwards?
When Lia betrays Wan Yin's trust, she desperately wants to fix things but when she's reminded of how she's treated Wan Yin in the past, Lia accepts that she needs to give her time and space to forgive her. How have you shown integrity during a disagreement with a friend and taken responsibility for your actions?
Lia pressures Julien to end a friendship due to her insecurities, leading him to realize that he isn't ready for such a serious relationship with Lia. Have you ever communicated your discomfort to a friend, even when they pressured you to do something you didn't want to do? What was the outcome?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Cassandra Calin
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Empathy , Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : May 5, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 272
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : May 25, 2026
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