Betsy Ray has big plans for her junior year.
She’s going to be serious, buckle down on her writing, and finally, finally go with Joe Willard. But as this charming coming-of-age story unfolds, her plans take a hilarious detour when she and her friends start a secret sorority, the Okto Deltas. Suddenly, her life is a whirlwind of parties, dances, and progressive dinners, and her dream of winning the Essay Contest—and Joe’s heart—seems to be slipping away.
Just when Betsy thinks things can’t get more complicated, Joe starts going with the sophisticated Phyllis Brandish. Through a junior year of spectacular failures and a senior year filled with misunderstandings, Betsy and Joe circle each other in a classic slow burn romance. As an aspiring writer, Betsy chronicles it all in her journal, navigating the social whirl of her beloved high school Crowd, the unbreakable bonds of friendship, and the long, winding path toward her own heart.
Covering their junior and senior years, these two classic novels follow Betsy, Joe, and their friends through four years of laughter, heartbreak, and growth. It’s a timeless story about finding your voice, the enduring power of friendship, and the sweet, agonizing journey of first love.