Don’t Tell My Mom That I Love Her

A Love Letter to Moms and Daughters of all ages

Told through the witty, heartfelt diary of a twelve-year-old who feels misunderstood, this is a story about mothers, daughters, and the quiet truths that reveal how deeply connected they truly are. A love-filled tribute to the women we become, the girls we once were, and the mothers we never stop needing.

Why You Should Read It

Woven with the movies, musicals, and cultural touchstones of her generation, Lauren brings Maggie and her mom to life in a way that resonates with daughters growing up—and the moms desperately trying to keep up. Told through the witty, heartfelt diary of a twelve-year-old who feels deeply misunderstood, this is a story about mothers, daughters, and the quiet truths that reveal how deeply connected they truly are. A love-filled tribute to the women we become, the girls we once were, and the mothers we never stop needing.

If You’re a Daughter…

This is your story told out loud. Through Maggie’s voice, you’ll feel truly seen and heard. The frustrations, joys, and everyday chaos of growing up will echo back to you, reminding you that you are not as alone as you think!

If You’re a Mom…

You were a daughter once, and Maggie’s story will take you back there. Her voice will remind you of the girl you used to be, while offering fresh perspective and compassion for who you were then and the mom and woman you are now-while the same adolescent voice that is still hardwired inside of you..

Reviews From Mothers & Daughters

" A vital and necessary guide for anyone struggling to understand how hard it is to be a young teen girl. As much a book for teens as it is for the families who raise them. In an uncompromisingly honest take on what is real during this rocky time, it provides a bridge of understanding between anguished teens and their concerned Mothers. This book provides a window into the unshakeable love that is there on both sides no matter how messy and divisive these years can be. Should be on every book shelf of girls and their Mom's hoping to gracefully and quickly get through these years!"

“Where do I begin?? It’s like a “Sex and the City” prequel that features Carrie (Maggie) examining, dissecting, over analyzing EVERY aspect of her 12 year old tween life. All the while navigating her relationship with her mom. It’s so beautifully intertwined!!! Maggie STUCK between being a kid and a teenager, her mom, Julie, STUCK between being a mother and a daughter. A must read for any moms of school age children. The backdrop of the mess that is social media confirms what we know, but brilliantly conveyed through the eyes of this relatable 12yr old. Moms, daughters, Dads… don’t miss this book!!! You will thank me, and the author!!!!! I finished it in two days. ENJOY!!!!!”

“Maggie is so real. Her insecurities and day to day, minute by minute struggles are such a true depiction of today’s tweens. I worked in a middle school for over 29 years with girls that age and Maggie’s struggles were a piece of the same thread. She is smart, curious, loving and sensitive yet continually questions her social position. I hurt for Maggie and all the young girls who have to face the pressure of social media 24/7. I am so lucky to have been raised BCP (before cell phones) but resilience wins out in the end and Maggie finds her way. There are also many funny diary entries where I found myself laughing out loud! So well written!!!”

“I was hooked from the first page. Spot on, hilarious, and heartwarming- this book perfectly captures the ups and downs of being twelve. It's so well written - you'll laugh, connect and won't want it to end!”

“Such a great trip down memory lane for me as a mom and daughter. Wish this book had been around when my kids were tweens because it made me reflect on their emotions and I wish I had that insight. Loved the 80s references because it brought me back to when I was growing up. Highly recommend this one!”

“This book is a must read for every tween, everyone who has been a tween and every mom who has a tween. It’s such a well-written and accurate portrayal of this stage of adolescence. You will read the diary entries and you will feel an immediate connection to Maggie and her feelings and struggles. I found her relationship with her mom so perfectly nuanced and relatable and it was so interesting to see it from both sides – remembering that awful and confusing stage of life, but also seeing it now as a mother.”

“A MUST to read for all! A reality for all the Maggie's in the world, and their sisters, brothers, moms, dads, grandma, grandpas, teachers, tutors, counselors, and of course friends! Trust me, you all know her and will absolutely love her!”

" As a therapist who spends much of my time helping families navigate the wild, wonderful, and often messy terrain of adolescence, I absolutely adored this book. Maggie’s diary entries capture the inner world of a twelve-year-old with such raw honesty and comedic brilliance that I found myself laughing one moment and reflecting deeply the next.

What makes this story so special is its dual impact: on the surface, it’s a charming, witty, and painfully relatable coming-of-age tale. But beneath that, it’s a powerful exploration of identity, independence, and the push-and-pull between a child’s need to differentiate and their simultaneous longing for connection — especially with their parents.

Maggie’s voice is so authentic that it reads less like a character and more like the inner monologue of so many pre-teens I’ve met in my office: fiercely self-aware yet still figuring it all out, desperate for autonomy yet craving understanding. And the evolution of her relationship with her mom — from defiant resistance to mutual growth — beautifully illustrates how much healing and closeness can happen when we listen to each other, even in the chaos.

This is a must-read for moms and daughters to share (and talk about!) together. It’s also a wonderful reminder for parents: even when it feels like they’re pushing you away, your child is still searching for you — sometimes in the very same breath."

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