Teenage years are probably the hardest on most kids. For Sam it was really hard. He had his first sexual experience with Suzie. Sam and Suzie were just two of the group of friends that hung around together.

One day everything changed. Suzie and her family were moving out of town. Sam and the rest of the group didn't know what to do. They all tried to stay in contact with her, but as time went on, it was harder and harder. Sam is kind of lost without her.

As time goes on, Sam gets involved with another one from the group, Bella. The only problem is Sam can't commit to anything. Not to Bella, not to college. Then the shocker, his brother Michael is now with his first love Suzie. They seem to be very happy, but Sam is having a very hard time with this.

Can Sam now become the grown up, or will he stay in his teenage years?

Robin Antalek's books are really good. I really liked how Robin combined the story of teenagers having to face the real world of adults. Everyone has to go though this. One day you are still living with your parents, going to school and have few problems. The next day you are tossed into the adult world.

Robin Antalek combines small town living and life in the big city in THE GROWN-UPS. When you want a book to just sit and read, THE GROWN-UPS is the book to read.