Best Foot Forward, Joan Bauer
Best Foot Forward, Joan Bauer
List: $19.00 | Sale: $13.30
Club: $9.50

Best Foot Forward

Author: Joan Bauer

Narrator: Kathe Mazur

Unabridged: 4 hr 41 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/23/2005


Synopsis

I’m a real ace at arguing with myself. Take a subject like Tanner Cobb.
On the one hand, he stole.
On the other, he helped his little brother read and count.
Then again, he stole shoes in front of his little brother.
But, he brought the shoes back and offered to make up for what he’d done.
My mind said, Don’t trust him.
My instincts said, He might not be all bad.
Inconsistencies are a royal pain; the older you get, the more they multiply.

After a life-altering summer on the road, Jenna Boller is dripping with newfound maturity. She has a job she loves at Gladstone Shoes, a best friend who makes her laugh, and a dysfunctional family she’s learning how to handle. Jenna feels ready for anything–until Tanner Cobb, a guy with a past, a police record, and dangerously good looks, walks into her life. And that’s just the beginning.
Jenna likes to be in control, but that’s not easy when she’s suddenly surrounded by crises, including a shoe empire on the verge of crumbling. Tanner’s street smarts seem to be what Jenna needs, but can she trust him when the going gets tough?
Newbery Honor author Joan Bauer has written a sure-footed, funny, and poignant novel about a teenage girl facing the challenges–and betrayals–of the adult business world head-on, a struggle that links her to the resilience of her past and helps her to eagerly plan the course for her future.

Praise for Joan Bauer:
Rules of the Road
“Jubilant, strong, and funny, this is a road trip to remember.”
–The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review

Hope Was Here
“When it comes to creating strong, independent and funny teenage characters, Bauer is in a class by herself.”
–School Library Journal, starred review

About The Author

Joan Bauer worked as a freelancer for broadcast and television before she started writing children’s books. Her first book was an immediate successful and received several awards. Joan Bauer lives with her husband and her children in Darien, Connecticut.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Ying on January 11, 2014

Until I read a review for Best Foot Forward, I never realized it was a sequel. However, that didn't stop me from enjoying this book greatly. There were so many dynamic and head spinning parts in this story outfitted with a wrenching and writhing plotline that went very well with the dramatic events......more

Goodreads review by Melanie on March 01, 2018

Nobody, NOBODY, writes sad-happy inspirational books like Joan Bauer. Sure, there might be a few that say she’s too over the top-“We walked together, striding purposefully, and burst into the light of the sales floor.” But there is a valid reason for that bolt of a “Ta-dah!” Bauer’s characters face......more

Goodreads review by Steve on January 08, 2013

I somehow missed the fact that this was a sequel to another book ("Rules of the Road"). I still found it quite enjoyable, and will look for the first book to read as a "pre-quel". Some of the characters and sidelines aren't developed fully, and Jenna's struggle with her (absentee) alcoholic father......more

Goodreads review by Eri on May 31, 2013

I only gave this 3-stars because I thought it felt rushed. I felt Jenna, such a mature and astute observer did not seem--despite saying so--as attached to any of the other characters. Even Tanner, about whom she had doubts. Even Mrs. Gladstone. It's as if she'd aged 10 years... Nevertheless, Joan Baue......more

Goodreads review by Julie on January 08, 2025

We are moving, and I found this book on my bookshelf. I had absolutely no idea where it came from so decided to read it. It looked like a fast read and it was. I liked the characters, and appreciated how not everything turned out just right for the characters. Many showed resilience and strong chara......more


Quotes

Praise for Best Foot Forward...

"This funny, winsome book is full of Bauer's trademark folksy wisdom..."--Jennifer Hubert, Booklist

Praise for Backwater by Joan Bauer

"Bauer's characters crackle with eccentricity and exhibit glimmers of intense emotion."--Publishers Weekly

Praise for Almost Home by Joan Bauer

"Sugar's voice is convincing, both as storyteller and young writer; her natural good humor shines through what could be a sad story indeed. Quirky supporting characters—both human and dog—add to its appeal. Sugar...will win readers hearts." —Kirkusstarred review

"Sure to inspire..." —Library Media Connectionstarred revie