Berry Parker Doesnt Catch Crushes by Tanita S. Davis

Middle-grade fiction often walks a fine line between being whimsically lighthearted and deeply introspective. Berry Parker Doesn’t Catch Crushes by Tanita S. Davis strikes that balance beautifully, offering a story that’s as charming as it is meaningful. If you’re looking for a book that explores identity, friendship, and the messy emotions of growing up—without falling into clichés—this is one to pick up.

Davis, known for her nuanced portrayals of young Black protagonists (Mare’s War, Serena Says), delivers another winner with Berry Parker, a girl navigating the complexities of middle school, crushes, and self-acceptance. This book isn’t just about romance (or the lack thereof); it’s about learning to trust yourself, even when the world expects you to fit into neat little boxes.

Twelve-year-old Berry Parker has always been the responsible, dependable one—the girl who keeps her head down, does her homework, and follows the rules. But when her best friend, Keisha, starts developing crushes and obsessing over boys, Berry feels left behind. Unlike her peers, she doesn’t understand the hype around crushes. She’d rather focus on her love of science, her family, and her budding interest in coding.

Things get complicated when a school project forces Berry to pair up with Ezra, a quiet, thoughtful boy who shares her curiosity about the world. Suddenly, everyone assumes Berry must have a crush on him—even though she’s not sure what she feels. As rumors spread and expectations pile up, Berry grapples with questions about identity, attraction, and whether it’s okay to just… not be interested in romance yet.

Without giving away major spoilers, the story unfolds with warmth and authenticity, showing Berry’s journey toward self-assurance in a world that often pressures kids to grow up too fast.

Berry is a refreshing protagonist because she defies the typical middle-school narrative. She’s not boy-crazy, nor is she a rebel without a cause. Instead, she’s a girl who genuinely doesn’t understand why everyone is suddenly obsessed with dating. Her confusion feels real, and her reluctance to conform makes her incredibly relatable.

• Berry Parker: Analytical, introspective, and fiercely independent, Berry’s voice is distinct and engaging. Her internal struggle—wanting to fit in but refusing to fake feelings—is handled with care.
• Keisha: Berry’s best friend serves as a foil, embodying the more conventional middle-school experience. Their friendship is tested but ultimately strengthened by their differences.
• Ezra: Quiet and kind, Ezra is a refreshing male character who doesn’t fit the “popular crush” stereotype. His dynamic with Berry is sweet and grounded in mutual respect.

Davis excels at crafting characters who feel like real kids—flawed, evolving, and utterly human.

Davis’s prose is accessible yet rich, making this book perfect for middle-grade readers while still offering depth for older audiences. The first-person narration immerses us in Berry’s thoughts, and her scientific-minded observations add a unique charm:

"Crushes were like the flu—everyone caught them eventually, but I seemed to be immune."

The pacing is steady, blending humor with quieter, introspective moments. Davis avoids heavy-handed lessons, instead letting Berry’s experiences speak for themselves.

At its core, Berry Parker Doesn’t Catch Crushes is about:

• Self-Acceptance: Berry learns that it’s okay to be different, to not feel ready for things others embrace.
• Friendship & Peer Pressure: The book explores how friendships shift during adolescence and how to stay true to yourself.
• Aromantic & Asexual Representation: While never explicitly labeled, Berry’s experience resonates with readers questioning attraction or identity.

Davis handles these themes with subtlety, making the story inclusive without feeling didactic.

As someone who was a late bloomer in the romance department, Berry’s story hit close to home. So many middle-grade books center on crushes as a rite of passage, but Berry Parker validates kids who aren’t there yet—or may never be. I laughed at Berry’s dry humor, cringed at her social missteps, and cheered when she stood her ground.

The emotional payoff is satisfying without being overly tidy, leaving room for readers to reflect on their own experiences.

Fans of these books will likely enjoy Berry Parker:

• The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore (for its authentic voice & emotional depth)
• The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty (STEM-loving protagonists)
• Drama by Raina Telgemeier (middle-school friendship dynamics)

However, Berry Parker stands out for its focus on a protagonist uninterested in romance—a perspective still rare in middle-grade fiction.

Strengths:

• Authentic, relatable protagonist
• Thoughtful exploration of identity
• Strong family dynamics (Berry’s parents are present and supportive)
• STEM-positive representation

Minor Weaknesses:

• Some readers might want more explicit discussion of aromanticism/asexuality (though the subtlety works for the age group).

• The ending wraps up a bit quickly—I would’ve loved an extra chapter!

• Middle-grade readers (ages 9-12) navigating friendships and self-discovery.

• Parents & educators looking for books that normalize diverse experiences.

• Anyone who ever felt “behind” in the crush department.

"Maybe I was broken. Or maybe everyone else was making a big deal out of nothing."

"Friendship wasn’t about being the same. It was about showing up."

While the story is contemporary, Berry’s experience reflects broader conversations about identity and representation in children’s literature. Davis, a Black author, ensures Berry’s race is part of her identity without being the sole focus—a nuanced approach that adds depth.

Berry Parker Doesn’t Catch Crushes is a heartfelt, necessary addition to middle-grade fiction. It reassures kids that it’s okay to move at their own pace—in love, friendships, and life. Tanita S. Davis has crafted a story that’s as smart as it is tender, and Berry Parker is a protagonist I won’t soon forget.

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Discussion Questions for Readers:

• Have you ever felt pressured to like someone romantically?
• How do Berry’s friendships change throughout the story?
• What books have you read that made you feel seen?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 📚💬

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