Durable Goods by Elizabeth Berg

Twelve year-old Katie lives with her dad and eighteen year-old sister on an Army base in Texas. Life is strained, being twelve, waiting to grow up, living with an angry father. Katie's friend, Cherylanne, advises Katie as only a fourteen-year old can about boys, puberty and life. Katie struggles with missing her mom, fear of her dad's anger, and the angst of moving yet again. Berg seems to understand the complexities of this young girl and the transitions she is going through. A compelling read. Sandy Penton