Books like Cross Your Heart, Connie Pickles by Sabine Durrant

Connie Pickles is a relatable teenager who keeps a journal as she wrestles with the everyday challenges of growing up. She has three best friends—Julie, a bubbly bring‑out‑of‑the‑whisker realist; William, the dependable chocolate‑button‑giver; and Delilah, a hormone‑fluctuating schoolmate—and a French mother who is both beautiful and financially struggling. When Connie’s mother refuses to settle for the right man, William behaves oddly, and her own heart feels broken, the once‑sensible girl finds her world spiraling out of control. With a mix of humor and heartfelt advice from her friends, Connie attempts to solve the eternal questions of love, money, French culture (and kissing), and the discomfort of growing‑up underwear. Set in a contemporary, diary‑style format, the story captures the awkwardness of adolescence while celebrating the bonds of friendship and family support.

First publish date: 2005