Title: Not Just Me
Author: Catina Noble
Genre: Middle Grade/YA
Book Blurb:
“Catina Noble’s Not Just Me, is a thoughtfully written teen drama that follows the daily ups and downs of a young high school girl. Noble uses relatable situations in her story to remind young people that they are not alone in their confusing (and sometimes uncomfortable) teen years. The protagonist, Teal, faces many challenges such as a fight with her best friend and a potential step-mother stealing her time away from Dad. Teal feels all the feel’s: betrayal, sadness, confusion, but through it all she manages to accept the new, and even makes a special friend along the way. The novel’s beautiful message of encouragement reminds us all that no matter how challenging life may get, we can always find a silver lining in the end.”—Amy MacDonald, STAR Program Supervisor, Christie Lake Kids
Excerpt:
I stand at the door with my key. I try the lock three times but keep fumbling with the damn key. I can’t seem to get the door open. I hear footsteps behind me and slowly turn around. It’s Miss Tate. As she arrives at her door, she stops and looks up. As our eyes meet, I turn my face away. I can’t handle her right now.
“What’s wrong, Teal?” Miss Tate asks in a soothing voice.
I don’t answer. I’ve never heard her use this tone of voice before. What makes her believe something is wrong? What does she care anyway? She remembers my name only because Mom signs it on the Christmas card she gives to her every year.
“I’m not sure what you mean, Miss Tate,” I whisper.
“I’ve been around long enough to know when something is amiss. Besides, tears are trailing down your face.”
She moves closer toward me.
“You are upset. What’s bothering you so much, child?”
I raise my right hand to touch my cheek. I’m crying over some silly fight with my best friend and how Dad might marry Tonya. How pathetic am I? Also, the dream, I can’t tell anyone about the dream.
Miss Tate slowly guides me inside her apartment. I try telling her that I will be fine. I’m not doing a good job of convincing her. I can’t even get my sentence out in a clear voice. I’m my own mess at this point and I’m the only one who can clean it up. Unfortunately.
“I will make some tea and we can chat. Just for a few minutes. You can tell me what this fuss is all about.” Miss Tate hugs me gently and hands me a box of tissues.
Who is this woman?
Did Miss Tate have a change of heart? I blow my nose and try to gain my composure while she clatters around in the kitchen. I feel low. My life has come down to this. I’m such a mess that I now require a chaperone. And the stupid tears fall again.
Miss Tate remembers the way I like my tea from my last visit——three cream and three sugars. I take my first sip and close my eyes. At this moment, the tea gives me a minute to breathe. I take another deep breath and start telling Miss Tate about the two major catastrophes in my life.
I start with Olive and then go off about Tonya for a while. Miss Tate listens and keeps nodding her head every so often.
What am I doing? Why am I pouring my heart out to her? She’s a surly old woman who doesn’t care about anyone but herself. What does she know about being a teenager? Note to self: do not mention the dream.
As I take the last sip from my cup, she gets up to refill it. It’s still nice and warm. She looks at me for a minute and then she speaks.
“If Olive is a true friend, she will come around. Just give her a bit of time, dear. If she isn’t a good friend, then as much as it hurts, maybe it’s time for the two of you to go your separate ways. Some friends are not meant to be held onto forever. Friends grow apart. I think you did the right thing by telling Olive about Brad. You are a good friend to tell her and if she can’t see that, you deserve a friend who appreciates you for who you are.”
Miss Tate takes a long sip of tea and continues.
“As for your dad, maybe Tonya won’t be around much longer. No one ever knows how long these things might last. I know you are upset with your dad. He likes Tonya though. So, unless she gives you a reason not to like her, as long as she treats you with respect, you should do the same and give her a chance. Really, Teal, this is all you can do about Tonya. I may be old and set in my ways, but I haven’t forgotten how emotional being a teenager can be. Quite frankly, the teenage years suck.”
I stare at Miss Tate. Maybe she isn’t crazy after all. Have I been unfair in my judgment? Maybe there is more to this woman than I give her credit for. The advice makes sense. No matter how upset Olive is with me, I don’t regret busting Brad. In fact, I would want her to do the same thing if the shoe were on the other foot. And as for Tonya, I don’t really have control over who Dad dates. As long as his dates are civil to me, I will have to make an effort to be nice, at least for his sake. He deserves this much from me.
I stay with Miss Tate until I hear Mom unlock our apartment door. I thank Miss Tate and leave quietly. It’s hard to imagine Miss Tate as a teenager and I stifle a giggle.
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What makes your featured book a must-read?
Not Just Me carries the true, honest voice of a fifteen-year-old girl, Teal Flint, as she navigates the complexities of family life, school, and growing up. Both the anguish and the joy of a sensitive young woman’s life are captured. The moods are as variable as the wind, with hope always underlying. Heather Swail, Intermediate Teacher, ISST, Vincent Massey PS.
Giveaway –
Enter to win a $20 Amazon US or Amazon Canada gift card
Open Internationally. You must have an active Amazon US or CA account to win.
Runs September 6 – September 14, 2022.
Winner will be drawn on September 15, 2022.
Author Biography:
Catina Noble is an Ottawa writer. Her work has appeared in several publications including Chicken Soup for the Soul, Woman’s World Magazine, Y Travel Blog, Perceptive Travel, Bywords Magazine, Phafours Press, and many others. She currently has four chapbooks of poetry, a full length poetry book and a total of eleven books out. Three of her books: Vacancy at the Food Court & Other Short Stories, I’m Glad I Didn’t Kill Myself and Everest Base Camp: Close Call won the Reader’s Favorite seal of approval. For the latest updates you can follow on her website: https://catinanoble.wordpress.com.
Social Media Links:
Instagram: @cncreate
Twitter: @CatinaNoble1
Website: https://catinanoble.wordpress.com