Speed of Life - Hardcover

"The multicultural cast is led by the completely likable Sofia, whose mother was Spanish and whose abuelo's comforting presence remains across the ocean. Her story has no fast, easy answers, but there is a clear message that while time does not necessarily heal, it helps. The advice of not to fall too hard, too fast, or too far is real, not preachy. Complex characters and a strong voice make this one stand out." - Kirkus, starred review

"Sofia's growth-amid unexpected interest from boys, her first relationship, new additions to her family, and grief-is both relatable and moving." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This slice-of-life story echoes the author's own experience as a teen magazine advice columnist and addresses all sorts of issues: death, grieving, moving, parental dating, parental sexuality, stepsibling conflict, new schools, self-esteem, and relationships. This refreshing work tackles a lot of themes, but eventually Sofia does get to a better place...Weston isn't afraid to tackle the squirm-inducing questions common to high school freshmen too embarrassed to seek sound information from reliable sources." - School Library Journal, starred review

"This novel is jam-packed with important, dramatic, and inevitable aspects of adolescence, from pimples to periods to popularity...Weston draws heavily on her years as "Dear Carol" at Girls' Life magazine, creating a solid, affecting tale of maturing and coming to grips with one's reality." - Booklist, starred review

"A letter-writing habit turns hairy in Carol Weston's Speed of Life (Sourcebooks)." - Vanity Fair

"This is, perhaps, the most perfect eighth grade girl book I have ever read. In fact, it was excruciating to read (in the best possible way) as I felt I was right back in Middle School myself. It reminded me of nothing more than the Judy Blume books I read at that age, but current for today's readers." - Teen Librarian Toolbox, School Library Journal

"A sweet, moving tale about grief and growing up." - New York Post

"Author Carol Weston (Girltalk: All the Stuff Your Sister Never Told You; Ava and Pip) has been the voice of "Dear Carol" at Girls' Life magazine since 1994. She draws on her many years of experience to tackle tough issues with honesty and humor. Death and grieving, self-esteem, "bras, periods, cliques, and crushes" are all addressed head-on in this engaging novel. Readers will enjoy spending a pivotal year with Sofia, as she learns to find comfort in life's changes, both big and small." - Shelf Awareness

"Perceptive, funny and moving...I laughed out loud and I teared up while reading this novel. I will eagerly place it on my daughter's bookshelf, so that she, like Sofia, can find her own resilience and voice in our painful, joyful, speeding world." - The New York Times

"Weston imparts insights about life and loss throughout, tracing Sofia's increasing maturity; by the time Sofia turns fifteen, "I had gotten out of from under the heavy blanket of grief. I was...growing up." Supported by sympathetic friends and family (including Kate, who is just as nice in person, and always gives excellent advice), Sofia faces each new challenge in her life with honesty, bravery, and humor." - Horn Book Magazine