Growing Pains

<p>Alexandria (Alex) Kelley is finding that life seldom goes smoothly in Book 2 of the <strong>Growing Up Alex</strong> series for young readers. Growing up often involves a lot of effort especially when it comes to balancing your own challenges with those of your friends. Sometimes your own challenges are nothing compared to what a friend may be going through.</p><p></p><p>Author Betts Arney writes in eleven-year-old Alex's voice as she navigates the challenges of pre-teen adolescence. As Alex explains:</p><p></p><p>A friend and his family were in serious trouble. <strong><em>Big </em></strong>trouble. I knew I had to help. </p><p></p><p>Common Sense wasn't so sure that I should get involved but I was reluctant to listen because my friend needed me no matter what it might cost. Like grounding for life! Or having my bicycle taken away forever!</p><p></p><p>My heart pulled me in one way but my head pulled the opposite direction.</p><p></p><p>Growing up meant learning when to stand up - even if it meant standing alone. </p><p></p><p>I wished growing up didn't always involve painful choices. As Grandpa Ron would tell me You're between a rock and a hard place. </p><p></p><p>Growing Pains. I was between a rock and a hard place.</p>