* Adjusting to middle school: The book focuses heavily on the anxieties and awkwardness inherent in transitioning from elementary to middle school. Taylor struggles with finding her place, dealing with cliques, and navigating the larger, more complex social dynamics of a bigger school.
* Developing a crush: A major plot point revolves around Taylor's crush on a classmate, and her attempts (and often humorous failures) to get his attention and maybe even become his friend. This explores the classic middle school experience of navigating romantic interests, including dealing with jealousy and uncertainty.
* Making friends and dealing with friendships: Taylor's relationships with her friends evolve throughout the story. She deals with shifting dynamics, disagreements, and the complexities of maintaining friendships.
* Facing social pressures: The book touches upon issues like social status, fitting in, dealing with popular kids, and the pressure to conform. Taylor grapples with the often-cruel and fickle nature of middle school social hierarchies.
* Family life and personal growth: Taylor's family life is also part of the story, providing a backdrop to her middle school experiences and showing her growth and maturity.
The book doesn't have a dramatic, overarching conflict. Instead, it's a series of interconnected events and experiences reflecting the everyday realities of middle school life, showcasing Taylor's personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery as she learns to navigate the social and emotional complexities of this stage. It emphasizes the humour and the relatable awkwardness of these years. The overall tone is lighthearted and optimistic, with Taylor learning valuable lessons about friendship, self-acceptance, and the importance of staying true to herself.