HMH Books for Young Readers

Do not lead with your heart, her mother had said. Lead with your head.

Tami had dusted the girls with perfumes and powders and imparted advice: Men like the smell of self-worth, confidence. You must know your mind and speak it, but not too often. Men fear intelligent women. It means they are capable of anything. You must laugh, but not be funny. You must be spirited, but not strong . . .

I want to be different. And I think I could be, with you by my side. You make me want to be . . . better.”

She pursed her lips before answering. “You should want to be better for yourself, not for someone else.”