“The California Girl” by Lisa Woomer is now available for purchase

relatable. This is the kind of book that reminds you of your own growing-up years—the awkwardness, the thrills, the heartbreak, and the unexpected victories.

A huge part of the story centers around Lindsay trying to figure out who she is when her world keeps shifting under her. She deals with being the new kid, surviving mean-teacher moments, being pulled between good influences and dangerous ones, and learning where her boundaries actually are. Her friendship with Maeve—wild, exciting, and often risky—is a major emotional thread, and when it all unravels, you feel it right with her. As readers, we get front-row seats to Lindsay’s self-discovery as she stumbles through boys, best friends, embarrassing moments, therapy sessions, and an inner voice she’s finally learning to listen to.

Lindsay’s voice is everything. She’s honest, a little sarcastic, and totally aware that she’s tripping over life while trying her best to look like she’s got it all together. Whether she’s break dancing at science camp, panicking over crushes in parking lots, or trying not to cry in a school office, her storytelling is funny, heartfelt, and incredibly human. That’s why this book is perfect for readers who love coming-of-age stories, especially anyone who grew up feeling “not quite the popular one,” anyone who survived complicated families, or anyone who remembers what it was like to try to reinvent themselves one messy chapter at a time.

At its core, “The California Girl” teaches a moral lesson that hits close to home: you can spend years trying to bury the painful parts of your past, but real growth happens when you dig deep, acknowledge the truth, and choose the life you want next. It’s a reminder that the scars we carry—emotional more than physical—don’t have to define us. Lindsay’s journey shows that even when life feels overwhelming, you can still reclaim your spark, rediscover your worth, and step forward with your head held high. It’s uplifting, inspiring, and comforting all at once—making this book a perfect read for anyone ready to cheer for a character who learns to cheer for herself.