Books like Just ask by Melody Carlson
When a speeding ticket revokes Kim Peterson’s driver’s license, her adamant father offers an unexpected remedy: write an anonymous teen advice column in his local newspaper. Reluctantly adopting the pseudonym “Jamie,” Kim dives into letters ranging from the everyday—peers’ questions about dating, piercings, and school—to deeper topics like depression and loss.
With each response, Kim confronts the limits of her own knowledge and the reality that help often comes from others. The story traces her cultural background as a Korean American adopted into a Christian family and her struggle to reconcile two faith traditions while navigating adolescence.
Through the column, Kim learns that the most honest advice of all can come from asking, listening, and sometimes turning to those who’ve faced similar hardships. Her journey highlights peer support, interpersonal relationships, and personal growth amid the challenges of teenage life.
First publish date: 2005
Genre: Children's Fiction/Early Readers
Authors: Melody Carlson
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