Alexandria (Alex) Kelley is finding that life seldom goes smoothly in Book 2 of the “Growing Up Alex” series for young readers. Growing up often involves a lot of effort, especially when it comes to balancing your own challenges with those of your friends. Sometimes, your own challenges are nothing compared to what a friend may be going through. Author Betts Arney writes in eleven-year-old Alex’s voice as she navigates the challenges of pre-teen adolescence. As Alex explains: A friend and his family were in serious trouble. Big trouble. I knew I had to help. Common Sense wasn’t so sure that I should get involved, but I was reluctant to listen because my friend needed me, no matter what it might cost. Like grounding for life! Or having my bicycle taken away forever! My heart pulled me in one way, but my head pulled the opposite direction. Growing up meant learning when to stand up – even if it meant standing alone. I wished growing up didn’t always involve painful choices. As Grandpa Ron would tell me, “You’re between a rock and a hard place.” Growing Pains. I was between a rock and a hard place.