The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks by Fiona Harris

The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks by Fiona Harris

Publisher:  Affirm Kids
Publishing:  May 31st, 2026
Format Read:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   338 pages
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "January 18th 1:30 pm Things I need to do this year"

Twelve-year-old Gracie receives a diary from her Nana for her birthday and begins using it to chronicle her to‑do lists and dreams for the year ahead as she prepares to start at her new school, Middleton Grammar.  At her old school she played electric guitar and was considered to be popular, but now she's starting over, and the idea of making new friends has her spiraling into "what if I eat lunch alone forever" mode.  The only people she knows are her older sister, Imogen (who is too self-absorbed) and Margot, who she went to school with and who is so boring.  

Gracie is slightly obsessed with the idea of being popular and not being left out. Which is a common middle school feeling.  It's especially hard for her because her older sister is already considered effortlessly popular and she refuses to help her.  Hoping to bond with the Shiny Shorties (Harri, Kit and Sloane), Gracie tells them their horoscope and exaggerates her musical experience by claiming she plays gigs all over town, which eventually gets her in trouble with her new friends.  Her childhood friend Viola tries to encourage her to be herself and stop worrying about people who are mean to her, but it takes Gracie time to realize this herself.  

I really enjoyed the diary format of The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks.  It works well to show Gracie's fears, insecurities and struggles as she navigates her new school. I think many girls can relate to the friend drama and the feeling of wanting to be seen and treated as more grown up.  I also loved the fun information about the Sumerians and the Zodiac Signs, and I especially enjoyed reading about Gracie's school project where she interviews the different cliques at school.  Through her project, she learns that she doesn't fit neatly into any of those groups, and that it's okay to be yourself and stand out.  I also appreciated the author's note, which offers a lovely reminder about the awkwardness of feeling out of place when we're young and how we often don't realize that those experiences are shaping us into who we're going to become as an adult.  Read this if you're looking for a funny and heartfelt story, similar to Louise Rennison's Angus, Thongs and the Art of Snogging.   

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE