Jeanne Kipke

Zali Jeanne Kipke

Zali recently moved from her childhood home to a town over 1,000 miles away, leaving the only friends and family she's known since childhood. Welcomed by her Aunt Ani, Zali and her mother settle into their new home, separated from Zali's father whose drinking has become out of control. With her very first period, Zali is mortified when her mother wants to have a ceremony in her honor. Doesn't Zali's mother realize how embarrassing this is for a 13-year old? Zali's Aunt Ani eases the situation by telling the story of her own experience, which starts mending the distance between Zali and her mother. However there are still conflicts to resolve, and not just between mother and daughter! Ani teaches Zali about doing 'Sacred Work' and about the Law of Attraction, which Zali's mother believes is nonsense. Was it a mistake bringing Zali under the influence of someone with so many unconventional ideas? Zali wants to join the popular kids at school, but she feels like a pretender. But If you have at least one true friend, does it matter if you are popular? Zali decides having a friend is more important, and following her Aunt Ani's advice, she finds not just one, but two best friends. But then, Zali's curiosity about boys bring about more challenges and discoveries. After a first date goes terribly wrong, Zali has even more questions. Fortunately Zali's friends - and her loving, although eccentric, aunt - support her through it all. Zali is a book for mature teens who appreciate candid dialogue about teenage issues around sex, friendship and more. Zali asks questions that many of us asked at the same age. Zali's experiences are inspired from the author's own life with one huge difference - Zali's questions are answered sincerely and openly in a way that gifts her with self-empowerment and wisdom.