Harper Lancaster just turned 12 and a half, but all she can think about is how much better life will be when she is 22. But what happens when she fast forwards to her 22nd and a half birthday? Find out in 12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future. This modernized retelling of the early 2000’s rom-com classic 13 Going on 30, is centered around Tik-Tok and influencer culture, sending Harper into the future after she makes a wish on a Tik-Tok filter.
Harper can’t wait to turn 13, the age her parents have set for when she can start posting on social media, or better yet 22, when she will be an adult herself and have the freedom to do whatever she wants. But today, Harper is turning 12 and a half, all she can do is record her make-up tutorial videos in preparation for when she can finally post, and her parents won’t let her start a dog walking business with her best friend, yet they think she is responsible enough to take care of her baby sister, Reese. However, half birthdays are extra special in the Lancaster household, so maybe Harper will finally get everything she wants.
Harper is your typical middle schooler, extremely self centered and hyper focused on popularity. For me, it made the first half of the novel a bit of a challenge to get through, but middle school readers will find Harper relatable and compelling, rather than immature and whiny. When Harper fast forwards to her 22nd year she is still just a 12 year old in an adult body, so there are plenty of cringey moments, but during her time in the future Harper also experiences immense character growth that make it all worthwhile. When she finds her way back to her 12 year old life, the complete attitude 180 may feel a little too perfect, but I can’t say it isn’t a satisfying ending to this middle grade novel.
12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future is a short and sweet novel, perfect for Tik-Tok obsessed middle graders. It’s a wonderful reminder to young teens not to grow up to fast. And, for my fellow 13 Going on 30 fans, while this could never live up to the original, it’s still a worthy read that will have you begging for a rewatch.
Miss Mariah's Library 