Review: The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks by Fiona Harris

The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks is a fun, relatable story that will be loved by any young tween just trying to fit in.

Gracie was one of the cool girls in year 6 but she's starting at a different high school to all her friends. A school where no one will know her. But, she has a plan; make friends with the cool girls, join the school band and soon she will be just as popular as her older sister Imogen.

Gracie is such a wonderful character. She is basically a kind and thoughtful girl and a bit geeky. I could understand why she wanted to be in the cool group, doesn't everyone!

Follow along, through Gracie's diary entries as she fumbles her way through, old friendships, new friendships, mean girls and bullying to finally realising that just being yourself and broadening your horizons is all you need to make the best sorts of friends.

Gracie's mother had died in a car accident and even though she did miss her and it was integrated into the story it wasn't solely focused on this sad event. 

I liked the addition of the school library as a safe haven and a place where she could connect with her mother.

Lots of fascinating information on horoscopes may have some young readers searching for more information on astrology and star signs.

I loved that Gracie and her grandparents were so close and when things were at a low she had somewhere to go for unconditional love and praise. I laughed at all Gracie's funny sayings that she got straight from her grandparents.

The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks is a humorous and heartfelt story about growing up and not knowing where you fit in anymore. It's about finding your place in a new environment, building resilience and trying to remember that other people may have bad things happening in their life that you don't know about. It holds a subtle message about always being kind.

I laughed all the way through and even got a little teary at the end. Gracie is funny, a little awkward and always thoughtful. She's a character who will stay in the hearts of many readers.

My rating 5/ 5 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

Recommended age: 9 - 12 years

Publisher: Affirm Press

Publication date: 31st march 2026

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 338

RRP: $16.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#theembarrassingconfessionsofgraciesparks #fionaharris #middlegradefiction #humour #aussieauthor #ausbookbloggers #kidsbookswelove