Playing for Keeps - (Spotlight Sprinkles) by Lee Heart

Book Synopsis

A girl starts to like-like her best friend and feel jealous of the girl he's hanging out with in this book in the new tween middle grade rom-com Spotlight Sprinkles series!

Although she's bummed that summer is over, Aaliyah is excited for school to start. She hasn't seen her best friend, Travis, all summer! But when they reunite, Travis looks different--taller and...kind of cute.

It's different spending time with him too because now all he talks about is soccer! And he's been hanging out with Harlee like a lot. And she's much prettier and cooler than Aaliyah. Can Aaliyah get her best friend back? And does she maybe like him as more than a friend?

Review Quotes

Short, simple chapters and chaste romantic interactions make these perfect for middle schoolers with hearts in their eyes. VERDICT A perfect addition to any middle school library. Have this series handy for tweens looking to dip their toes into romance.

--School Library Journal "October 2025"

About the Author

Lee Heart has always been a hopeless romantic and looks back on her middle school days fondly. Now, she spends her time writing about middle school tween adventures in her beach house, where it feels like summer all year long. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading, collecting seashells, perfecting her secret s'mores recipe, making crafts with her BFF, and looking for shooting stars.