Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—a community for book lovers from Girls’ Life magazine.

If you’re new here, hello! Here’s how this works: Each month, we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram for Bestie Book Club updates, fun reading challenges, amaze giveaways and so much more.

School’s winding down, and you’re looking forward to a season of sleepovers, vacays and fun in the sun. The only prob? You still haven’t confessed to your crush that you like them. Before the last bell rings, it’s time to get your real feels out there (summer of romance? Yes, pls).

Who’s here to help? Our Bestie Book Club and this month’s read, The New Girl: First Crush! After moving with her family from Romania to Montreal, Canada, Lia’s finally starting to feel like she belongs: Her friend group is solid, her French is (slowly but surely) improving and her crush, Julien, is noticing her. But does he *like like* her…or is he just being nice? Turns out figuring out how he feels is, well, majorly complicated. As friendships, family and her confidence are put to the test, Lia has to figure out who she is—and how to handle all the highs and lows that come with it.

We sat down with our book besties to get the scoop on The New Girl: First Crush—and their best advice for a swoon-worthy crush confession.

Hey, Besties! What did you love most about The New Girl: First Crush?

“I relate to it because it shows real, awkward and fun moments that happen when you like someone for the first time.” — Isabella K.

“I loved how Lia showed that you don’t have to be perfect to have a crush or be liked .” — Shelia’Celine

“The friendships, the overthinking, the crush drama—it literally feels like real life and makes you feel less alone about everything.” — Henley M. 

If you’re anything like Lia, you know it can be tough to get a read. One second they’re catching your eye across the caf, the next moment you’re wondering if it was all just a daydream.

Holding your hand while we say this, but pining from afar isn’t going to get you any answers. You’ve gotta get the conversation flowing. Instead of a generic “hey,” go for something specific that shows you’re paying attention—like asking what they thought of this week’s reading assignment or about the band T-shirt they’re wearing. Thoughtful, personal questions open the door to actual connection.

Then, gauge how they respond. Do they find reasons to keep the convo going, even when it could’ve ended? Do they circle back to things you’ve mentioned before or ask you Q’s in return? That kind of effort is usually a sign they like you, too.

Hey, Besties! How do you feel when you have a crush?

“It’s exciting, but kinda scary at the same time.” — Shelia’Celine

“It’s so much fun because you get to build a connection with someone you really like.”  — Danika & Delaney B.

“It’s actually crazy! One minute you’re fine and the next minute you’re smiling at your phone for no reason. And then when you see them in person, your brain just…shuts off.” — Kori Michelle

If you’re thinking about confessing, that’s a big deal—and it deserves a little more strategy than just blurting it out during study hall.

Before anything, take a sec to assess the vibe. Have they been matching your energy (like texting back consistently or finding random reasons to talk)? You want at least a few green lights so you’re not going in totally blind.

Next: Choose your setting wisely. A grand, public confession may be cute in a rom-com, but IRL it can put a ton of pressure on both of you. If you’re not 100% certain that they like you back, it’s usually better to keep things low-key. Think: a one-on-one moment after school or a casual text.

What you say matters, too (psst: it doesn’t have to be a full-on speech). Keep it honest, simple and confident. Something like, “I’ve really liked talking to you lately, and I think I like you as more than a friend. Would you ever want to hang out just the two of us?” is a good place to start.

Hey, Besties! Have you ever confessed to your crush?

“Yes, I have, and it’s gone well for me every time. Being honest has always worked out.” — Isabella K.

“I haven’t fully confessed, but I’ve made it kinda obvious before. It was a little awkward, but also fun because at least I knew where we stood after!” — Henley M. 

“Let’s just say…it didn’t go how I imagined in my head! 😂 But I survived!” — Kori Michelle

No matter how it plays out, how you handle their response matters just as much as what they say.

If it’s a yes?
Yay, we love this for you! First, give yourself props: You put yourself out there, and it paid off. But before you jump straight into planning your summer ‘ship montage, remember that there’s no need to rush a romance. The best part of a mutual crush is actually getting to know each other in a new way. Low-pressure hangs (like after-school smoothie runs or weekend FaceTimes) are great ways to start building an authentic connection.

And don’t forget to keep your own life full, too: Spend time with your besties, dive into new passion projects and apply for that summer gig. The healthiest crush-to-relationship transitions happen when you’re adding someone to your life, not rearranging it around them.

If it’s a “let’s just be friends”?
It stings…there’s no way around it. But instead of spiraling into “what’s wrong with me,” try to reframe it: They’re being honest, which ultimately saves you from investing time and energy in someone who isn’t right for you.

Of course, give yourself space to be sad—but then start shifting your focus toward hobbies, friends and fam that make you happy. Lia from The New Girl: First Crush proves it: Crushes come and go, but the support system you build? That’s what actually carries you through.

And remember: Summer is basically prime time for fresh starts (and fresh faces). Between beach days, concerts, camps, trips and spontaneous plans, odds are you’ll be meeting people you never would’ve crossed paths with otherwise. So don’t stay stuck on what didn’t work—your next crush could be waiting just around the corner.

Hey, Besties! What advice would you have for your bestie who is totally crushing?

“I would tell them to just go for it—be confident and make a move. Being yourself and not overthinking it is the best way to go.” — Isabella K.

“Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. If they like you, you want them to like you for *you*. If not, then bye! ✋🏽” — Shelia’Celine

“Keep getting to know each other and building your connection. If it’s meant to be, things will naturally fall into place.” — Danika & Delaney B.

Want to get involved with our Bestie Book Club? Here’s how…
+ SOLO. Snag your copy of The New Girl: First Crush and get ready to experience *all* the first crush feels.
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Connect with us @glbestiebookclub and find your fellow book nerds from all over. Hello, instant community!
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Gather the besties for a much-needed IRL catch-up! Spill the tea on your latest crush, first dates and your fave parts of The New Girl: First Crush.