NEW RELEASE
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.
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Winner 2025 Children's Book International Award
Elusive Common Sense has been recognized for its powerful impact on young readers.
This engaging novel supports key literacy skills while helping kids navigate friendships, family, and growing up.
Perfect for classrooms and families alike, it’s also a valuable resource for social-emotional learning, encouraging self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making through an engaging story kids can truly connect with.
Available Online and In Select Bookstores
Elusive Common Sense by Betts Arney
Dive into the world of Alex Kelley, age eleven (soon to be twelve!) as she navigates friends, family, caring for her pet kitty, and growing up in the 1960s!
Find Elusive Common Sense online and in select wonderful independent bookstores like The Lion's Mouth in Green Bay, WI and OtherWorlds Books in Sturgeon Bay, WI.
What Readers Are Saying
"Alex doesn’t sit around feeling sorry for herself–which I really appreciate in a protagonist. She takes on problems head-on, thinking them through and learning as she goes. You really get to see her grow, and it’s so easy to root for her every step of the way."
- Katie Leigh
"The book will appeal to upper elementary and middle school students. The writing is funny, highly entertaining, and a real page-turner."
- AnneMarie Gouveia
