Best Foot Forward

Jenna Boller is back from her life-altering trip to Texas, dripping with instant maturity. She’s got a new job as assistant to Madeline Gladstone, Director of Quality Control for Gladstone Shoes, and a handsome protégé named Tanner Cobb.

But balancing all these responsibilities with the angst of junior year and her needy family isn’t easy, especially when she’s uncovering nefarious dealings at a mysterious shoe factory called Plant 453 and her protégé happens to be a shoplifter. Jenna finds it difficult to trust Tanner, although his street smarts might be just what she needs when the going gets tough—filling so many shoes is a tall order! But Jenna’s sense of humor keeps her grounded and helps her understand maturity is a work-in-progress.

Once again, Joan Bauer has written a sure-footed, funny, and poignant novel about honesty, self- esteem, the demands of loyalty, and the redemptive power of sole.