Best Foot Forward

Author Joan Bauer
Read by Kathe Mazur
I’m a real ace at arguing with myself. Take a subject like Tanner Cobb.
On the one hand, he stole.
On the other, he helped his little brother read and count.
Then again, he stole shoes in front of his little brother.
But, he brought the shoes back and offered to make up for what he’d done.
My mind said, Don’t trust him.
My instincts said, He might not be all bad.
Inconsistencies are a royal pain; the older you get, the more they multiply.

After a life-altering summer on the road, Jenna Boller is dripping with newfound maturity. She has a job she loves at Gladstone Shoes, a best friend who makes her laugh, and a dysfunctional family she’s learning how to handle. Jenna feels ready for anything–until Tanner Cobb, a guy with a past, a police record, and dangerously good looks, walks into her life. And that’s just the beginning.
Jenna likes to be in control, but that’s not easy when she’s suddenly surrounded by crises, including a shoe empire on the verge of crumbling. Tanner’s street smarts seem to be what Jenna needs, but can she trust him when the going gets tough?
Newbery Honor author Joan Bauer has written a sure-footed, funny, and poignant novel about a teenage girl facing the challenges–and betrayals–of the adult business world head-on, a struggle that links her to the resilience of her past and helps her to eagerly plan the course for her future.

Praise for Joan Bauer:
Rules of the Road
“Jubilant, strong, and funny, this is a road trip to remember.”
–The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review

Hope Was Here
“When it comes to creating strong, independent and funny teenage characters, Bauer is in a class by herself.”
School Library Journal, starred review
© Joan Bauer
Joan Bauer is the author of numerous books for young readers. She received a Newbery Honor Medal for Hope Was Here, and the L.A. Times Book Prize for Rules of the Road. The Christopher Award was given to both Hope was Here and Close to Famous, which also received the Schneider Family Book Award. Joan is the recipient of numerous state awards voted by readers. Bauer lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit her at www.joanbauer.com. View titles by Joan Bauer
Praise for Best Foot Forward...

"This funny, winsome book is full of Bauer's trademark folksy wisdom..."--Jennifer Hubert, Booklist

Praise for Backwater by Joan Bauer

"Bauer's characters crackle with eccentricity and exhibit glimmers of intense emotion."--Publishers Weekly

Praise for Almost Home by Joan Bauer

"Sugar's voice is convincing, both as storyteller and young writer; her natural good humor shines through what could be a sad story indeed. Quirky supporting characters—both human and dog—add to its appeal. Sugar...will win readers hearts." —Kirkusstarred review

"Sure to inspire..." —Library Media Connectionstarred revie

About

I’m a real ace at arguing with myself. Take a subject like Tanner Cobb.
On the one hand, he stole.
On the other, he helped his little brother read and count.
Then again, he stole shoes in front of his little brother.
But, he brought the shoes back and offered to make up for what he’d done.
My mind said, Don’t trust him.
My instincts said, He might not be all bad.
Inconsistencies are a royal pain; the older you get, the more they multiply.

After a life-altering summer on the road, Jenna Boller is dripping with newfound maturity. She has a job she loves at Gladstone Shoes, a best friend who makes her laugh, and a dysfunctional family she’s learning how to handle. Jenna feels ready for anything–until Tanner Cobb, a guy with a past, a police record, and dangerously good looks, walks into her life. And that’s just the beginning.
Jenna likes to be in control, but that’s not easy when she’s suddenly surrounded by crises, including a shoe empire on the verge of crumbling. Tanner’s street smarts seem to be what Jenna needs, but can she trust him when the going gets tough?
Newbery Honor author Joan Bauer has written a sure-footed, funny, and poignant novel about a teenage girl facing the challenges–and betrayals–of the adult business world head-on, a struggle that links her to the resilience of her past and helps her to eagerly plan the course for her future.

Praise for Joan Bauer:
Rules of the Road
“Jubilant, strong, and funny, this is a road trip to remember.”
–The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review

Hope Was Here
“When it comes to creating strong, independent and funny teenage characters, Bauer is in a class by herself.”
School Library Journal, starred review

Author

© Joan Bauer
Joan Bauer is the author of numerous books for young readers. She received a Newbery Honor Medal for Hope Was Here, and the L.A. Times Book Prize for Rules of the Road. The Christopher Award was given to both Hope was Here and Close to Famous, which also received the Schneider Family Book Award. Joan is the recipient of numerous state awards voted by readers. Bauer lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit her at www.joanbauer.com. View titles by Joan Bauer

Praise

Praise for Best Foot Forward...

"This funny, winsome book is full of Bauer's trademark folksy wisdom..."--Jennifer Hubert, Booklist

Praise for Backwater by Joan Bauer

"Bauer's characters crackle with eccentricity and exhibit glimmers of intense emotion."--Publishers Weekly

Praise for Almost Home by Joan Bauer

"Sugar's voice is convincing, both as storyteller and young writer; her natural good humor shines through what could be a sad story indeed. Quirky supporting characters—both human and dog—add to its appeal. Sugar...will win readers hearts." —Kirkusstarred review

"Sure to inspire..." —Library Media Connectionstarred revie

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