Jen Calonita
Delacorte, August, 2022
256 pages
Grades 5-8
Fantasy
Harper is celebrating her twelve-and-a-half birthday, which is a thing in her house, where they celebrate half birthdays. She is thrilled to receive the presents and make a wish later, especially since her baby sister, Reece, continues to make her life messy, her parents don't trust her to be just a little independent, and she doesn't know how to handle her growing feelings for a boy who is one of her best friends. The good news is--her parents finally allow her to post on TikTok and her premiere make-up video is scoring hits and leading to followers. Further complications ensue as the school queen-bee invites Harper to her (actual-not half) birthday party. Of course Harper accepts, but why does the birthday girl seem to have shifty intentions? Harper retreats to the bathroom and makes her half-birthday wish on a TikTok filter on her phone, and magic ensues. She wakes up and her wish came true! Harper has skipped ahead to the dream age of twenty-two, inspired by the Taylor Swift song of the same name, and, best of all, she is a social media influencer with an important job. Independence, glamour, money, and fame are all Harper's, but is twenty-two all its cracked up to be?
This first-person narration is a reboot of a common fantasy seen before in movies and books--with a current twist. Harper gets to be "big" and adulthood is seen through her twelve-year-old lens. Twelve-year-old Harper is a nicer and more ethical person and, after the initial glee at being an adult wears off, she attempts to improve the corrupt adult she now proves to be. Readers will fall into this fantasy and enjoy the story. The social media references and trends seem spot-on and will appeal to the age group, though may date the book in a few years. Harper learns many valuable lessons along the way, including appreciating her family and true friends, all that glitters is not gold, fame is not all its cracked up to be, and that there are pros and cons at every age. The story is fun, yet Harper experiences growth as a character and her journey provides substance to the entertaining fluff. The eye-catching cover will attract readers and though this book will not win any big awards, it will be an easy sell and woo reluctant readers.
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