Books like Can't Stay Away by Francine Pascal

Elizabeth Wakefield is navigating the challenges of being a senior in El Carro High, California. The stress of looming graduation, friendships, and future plans makes it difficult for her to concentrate. In the midst of these campus pressures, she finds herself constantly thinking about Conner McDermott, a boy from the nearby El Carro High who hardly pays her any attention. This internal conflict highlights the emotional turbulence that many high school seniors face. Set in a California high school, the story captures the nuances of teenage life through Elizabeth’s voice and perspective, offering readers a relatable glimpse into the heart of youth and the universal longing for connection. Children’s fiction narrative threads through the novel are marked by themes of self‑discovery, interpersonal dynamics, and the everyday drama of high school life.

First publish date: 1999