12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future, Jen Calonita (Review)

Book Review - 12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future

Summary: 12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future

I was intrigued by the title 12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future (who wouldn’t be?), and even though I’m wary of fantasy titles, this one worked! On her 12th half birthday, her parents surprisingly gift her their approval to post on social networks. Thrilled, Harper starts posting TikTok videos like her idol, Blake Riley. Her first video goes viral and brings her closer to the popular crew in her school who only befriend her so she can teach them her edits. Their interest in her creates a rift between Harper and her best friend Ava. In the midst of the chaos, Harper tries a TikTok filter, which combined with a wish to be 22 suddenly makes her 22!

Unfortunately, her future is much different than she imagined. Her little sister is now a teen (aww!). She’s now working for Blake Riley (yay) and so is popular girl Celia who she’s now friends with. But she and Ava have lost touch as have she and her childhood friend and crush. Is being 22 as great as she imagined? Or will she just want her old life back? And can she even get it back? Or is it too late?

The Good

This is a seriously fun book! It’s pegged as 13 Going on 30 for middle graders and it’s fairly spot on, although many middle graders who read this may not have even seen the movie. Still, the feeling is the same. Harper is flustered by the mechanics of being an adult and having a job. The future is also more techy than expected with self-driven cars being the norm and electronic assistants being projected from mobile phones.

I loved seeing everyone grown up — from Harper’s sister Reese, to her parents and her schoolmates and friends/frenemies. Time jump stories are always so satisfying because they answer the questions we all have about our futures. I loved watching Harper realize what matters most in life and this can be a powerful story to show tweens that seeking approval and validation from the popular crowd isn’t always as fulfilling in the long run, especially when it makes us someone we’re not.

Overall: 12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future

12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future is a charming, light, feel-good story about time travel, social media, and treasuring friendships. This delightful middle grade novel will appeal to fans of the 13 Going on 30 movie and 11 Birthdays. Anyone who loves time loop stories will enjoy this book. I totally recommend it if you’re looking for something easy and enjoyable to read.