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Friendship List #3
13 and Counting
Fans of Lauren Myracle and Rachel Renee Russo's Dork Diaries will adore the third book in this laugh-out-loud series about two BFFs who master middle school with a list of thirteen goals they MUST achieve before their first summer apart.
With winter break almost over and seventh grade spinning beyond their control, best friends Kaylan and Ari write a new list of 13 resolutions to make the New Year, middle school, and their friendship even more amazing before they go to separate camps next summer.
But what happens when their bestie bucket list reveals issues in their friend group? Can they want totally different things and still be BFFs?
Told in the alternating POVs of Ari and Kaylan—and with goals inspired by suggestions from readers—this contemporary coming-of-age story is bound to be the most heartbreaking and hilarious Friendship List yet.
With winter break almost over and seventh grade spinning beyond their control, best friends Kaylan and Ari write a new list of 13 resolutions to make the New Year, middle school, and their friendship even more amazing before they go to separate camps next summer.
But what happens when their bestie bucket list reveals issues in their friend group? Can they want totally different things and still be BFFs?
Told in the alternating POVs of Ari and Kaylan—and with goals inspired by suggestions from readers—this contemporary coming-of-age story is bound to be the most heartbreaking and hilarious Friendship List yet.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2019
240 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Greenwald
37 books469 followersA long bio can be kind of boring, so instead I'm going to pretend
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this book as I did the first two. I strongly recommend this book. I read all of the books in 2 weeks or less at a time. I am upset though because I can't wait to read the forth book and it doesn't come out until August. In every book they make a list of things to do before their birthday (November 1 and 2) in the third book it takes a different turn. They start the list right after they finish their last list and this ones deadline is the last day of school. Throughout all of these books their friendship grows even stronger than it already is. The length of the time they fought reduced. In the first book they finished the list separate, in the second book they fought for about a week or less, and in this book they didn't fight at all. When they did fight it was because of jealousy that they had other friends. I wrote a review for at least one of the other two books if not both.
November 15, 2020
Another fun and cute story from the Friendship List series. What I like about these stories is that the characters push each other out of their comfort zones and I think it's good for encouraging young readers to do the same. This novel was told from both Kaylan and Ari's perspectives as they navigate friendships, dating, school, family, etc. Even though they said who was narrating each chapter, sometimes I would still get them mixed up since both were in first person. While the pre-teen speak isn't up my alley, I could understand it, thanks to listening to my daughter talk.
Side note: A fun follow up to reading this book was watching 13 Going on 30.
Overall, it was another easy and enjoyable read. I am already looking forward to reading Friendship List #4: 13 and 3/4 soon (after my daughter reads it first).
Side note: A fun follow up to reading this book was watching 13 Going on 30.
Overall, it was another easy and enjoyable read. I am already looking forward to reading Friendship List #4: 13 and 3/4 soon (after my daughter reads it first).
January 11, 2022
In this book Arianna and Kaylan make a list of 13 things they want to do before 7th grade is over. Throughout the book Arianna is really worried about her grandma who had a seizure. She is in and out of hospitals all the time, the book never really said if her grandma recovered or not. Kaylan goes on a really fancy vacation with another friend and Arianna gets a little jealous. They end up completing the list, and the book ends with them running a 5k to raise money for seizure patients. I didn’t like this book as much as the first two because it alternated from Arianna’a perspective to Kaylan’s perspective. It was still good though and I would recommend it.
January 18, 2020
This was probably the best of the three - not quite as boy-crazy (so not appropriate for 11 and 12 year olds in previous books). I liked the friendship and the discussion about what makes a friend for life.
November 22, 2023
This book was solid! It was my fav so far in the series because there weren’t as many friend arguments between Ari and Kaylan!!
What made it 4 stars instead of 5
-Cami is just so annoying and was constantly trying to stir up unnecessary drama
-I thought Ari and Kaylan weren’t going to argue and then at the middle end of the book Kaylan totally lashed out at Ari which wasn’t nice.
-Just weird unnecessary boy drama.
I did really enjoy the alternate perspectives though because the last 2 books were written with only one of the girl’s perspective.
What made it 4 stars instead of 5
-Cami is just so annoying and was constantly trying to stir up unnecessary drama
-I thought Ari and Kaylan weren’t going to argue and then at the middle end of the book Kaylan totally lashed out at Ari which wasn’t nice.
-Just weird unnecessary boy drama.
I did really enjoy the alternate perspectives though because the last 2 books were written with only one of the girl’s perspective.
May 19, 2020
This book was so sweet! I enjoyed it. Would recommend!
January 21, 2024
This book doesn't really get much better, in my opinion. First of all, I hate that Arianna is dating Jason now in this book because that was Kaylan's first boyfriend. Also, I hate that Arianna makes a big deal about not celebrating Valentine's Day. If you don't celebrate a holiday, it's okay. Just don't make a big freaking deal about it! Also, I think Kaylan should have fun when Cami asks her to go to Turks and Caicos with her family. Just because Cami isn't Arianna doesn't mean Kaylan shouldn't have fun. To be honest, in this book, I think Arianna is holding Kaylan back from making new friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2020
It was one of my favorite books! Great job writing it Lisa Greenwald!! 👍😊
January 9, 2020
So GOOD! I am so sad that I read through the WHOLE SERIES! :( I <3 <3 <3 all of Lisa Greenwald's books and this one was FANTASTIC!
So it starts out kinda chill its like Cami's still crazy and too much, and the girls are tight in friendship, Ari and Golfy are going strong etc, they're making a new list etc. Then everything gets crazy! Kaylen was accepted into the comedy camp that she applied to go to and didn't tell anyone, Ari's being kinda distant, Cami is getting closer in friendship with her and then Cami invites her to go with her family to a swanky resort for a week and she says yes. Then her dad sends her an email and it turns out that while she's gone her dad is coming to talk to them about something big but he's coming when she leaves for the resort with Cami so he sends her an email and it turns out that he's getting married to some lady from Arizona! (I think the lady's from Arizona).
Meanwhile in Ari's life....
Arianna is starting to become distant isn't sure how she feels about the lunch girls, dosen't really like Cami, and doesn't like Golfy anymore because HOLD UP now she likes Jason! Kaylen says its cool, but Cami is trying to stir up trouble because she wants Kaylen to herself! On top of that Bubbie ends up in the hospital and isn't doing too well.
So the girls are going through all this stuff and its CRAZY!
So that's my review in which I basically spoiled everything that happens in this book. Also let it be known that I am an Ari fan forever! I hope you read this and <3 it like I did! :)
So it starts out kinda chill its like Cami's still crazy and too much, and the girls are tight in friendship, Ari and Golfy are going strong etc, they're making a new list etc. Then everything gets crazy! Kaylen was accepted into the comedy camp that she applied to go to and didn't tell anyone, Ari's being kinda distant, Cami is getting closer in friendship with her and then Cami invites her to go with her family to a swanky resort for a week and she says yes. Then her dad sends her an email and it turns out that while she's gone her dad is coming to talk to them about something big but he's coming when she leaves for the resort with Cami so he sends her an email and it turns out that he's getting married to some lady from Arizona! (I think the lady's from Arizona).
Meanwhile in Ari's life....
Arianna is starting to become distant isn't sure how she feels about the lunch girls, dosen't really like Cami, and doesn't like Golfy anymore because HOLD UP now she likes Jason! Kaylen says its cool, but Cami is trying to stir up trouble because she wants Kaylen to herself! On top of that Bubbie ends up in the hospital and isn't doing too well.
So the girls are going through all this stuff and its CRAZY!
So that's my review in which I basically spoiled everything that happens in this book. Also let it be known that I am an Ari fan forever! I hope you read this and <3 it like I did! :)
March 29, 2021
This book is really good. I love the Friendship List series books. My review from when I read this book the first time is below.
Such a good book. I really liked it. If you want to read it I would recommend reading the first two books before this one just to get some background knowledge but if you just read this one you would still understand it but you wouldn't have as much background knowledge. The first two books are really good too. The first one is 11 Before 12 and the second book is 12 before 13.
Such a good book. I really liked it. If you want to read it I would recommend reading the first two books before this one just to get some background knowledge but if you just read this one you would still understand it but you wouldn't have as much background knowledge. The first two books are really good too. The first one is 11 Before 12 and the second book is 12 before 13.
November 16, 2019
I liked this book, but the first two were definitely better. It is thoughtful and sweet and perfect for almost any age.
June 19, 2022
I just- i can’t- 😂 these are the worst but the best. Not sure I’m even reading the last one.
July 24, 2023
Really Good Book
This is a really good book about two best friends. I feel connected to these characters. This is probably one of my favorite series
This is a really good book about two best friends. I feel connected to these characters. This is probably one of my favorite series
May 30, 2023
This was a reread from my bookshelf. While middle-grade, its still cute. DONT JUDGE
3.75/5
3.75/5
September 3, 2023
Not Jason being rejected by them both🤭🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2024
This book is a cute and cozy story talking about the importance of friendship and trust between friends. I think it captures challenges and joys of being a teenager.
One of the strengths of the book is its relatable characters. Ellie is a charming protagonist whose voice feels authentic and endearing. Readers will easily connect with her as she grapples with self-discovery and the pressures of growing up. Greenwald does an excellent job of portraying the ups and downs of adolescence with honesty and empathy.
The dynamics between Ellie and her friends are also well-developed. The author explores themes of loyalty, jealousy, and forgiveness, adding depth to the narrative. Additionally, the depiction of Ellie's Jewish identity and the significance of her bat mitzvah adds richness to the story, offering insight into a unique cultural experience.
13 and Counting" is a heartwarming and engaging read that will resonate with readers of all ages. With its relatable characters, humor, and heartfelt moments, it's a book that celebrates the joys and challenges of growing up. Lisa Greenwald has crafted a compelling story that will leave readers eagerly awaiting her next literary adventure.
I like this book a lot and hope everyone gets to read it!
One of the strengths of the book is its relatable characters. Ellie is a charming protagonist whose voice feels authentic and endearing. Readers will easily connect with her as she grapples with self-discovery and the pressures of growing up. Greenwald does an excellent job of portraying the ups and downs of adolescence with honesty and empathy.
The dynamics between Ellie and her friends are also well-developed. The author explores themes of loyalty, jealousy, and forgiveness, adding depth to the narrative. Additionally, the depiction of Ellie's Jewish identity and the significance of her bat mitzvah adds richness to the story, offering insight into a unique cultural experience.
13 and Counting" is a heartwarming and engaging read that will resonate with readers of all ages. With its relatable characters, humor, and heartfelt moments, it's a book that celebrates the joys and challenges of growing up. Lisa Greenwald has crafted a compelling story that will leave readers eagerly awaiting her next literary adventure.
I like this book a lot and hope everyone gets to read it!
July 1, 2021
This one was really good, but I don't think I liked it as much as 12 Before 13. So I didn't read 11 Before 12- I found 12 Before 13 at the library and wanted to go forward with the series, not backward. Since 12 Before 13 was about Ari, I didn't really like Kaylan as much, but now reading this one, where there are switching-off chapters, I really like Kaylan. I love Kaylan and Ari's friendship. It's so sweet. The seen at the end, after the marathon, was so heartwarming. They told each other that they had their unicorns all along- each other! I think before I thought Cami was okay, just a little over the top, but in this one, I really didn't like her all that much. She was trying to get Kaylan mad at Ari for going out with Jason after they broke up- which you shouldn't do, I guess. But I definitely think that Ari should have stayed with Golfy, he's way better than Jason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2021
Great series for a middle grade read. I think I'm not enjoying as much because I'm older and this just isn't quite my type of tea. Also, I feel like Ari and Kaylan are always changing in their feelings of boys. Like, oh I love Golfy, oh now I'm sick of him and I love Jason, know I love Golfy again. I mean, I never liked boys liked that when I was this age, and I have never kissed a boy either (besides my male family members such as my father, brothers, grandpa, uncle, etc.) and Ari and Kaylan kissed a boy when they were eleven. I feel like this book tries to make them seem older, but it doesn't work, and instead makes them seem like they are younger because they are so obsessed with it. Sorry if you don't understand this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2020
This story is about two best friends named Kaylan and Ari who have to deal with unexpected events. The main conflict is finishing the list, which involves figuring out who they want to be. I really enjoyed this book, I like how each chapter switched between Kaylan and Ari. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was them making the list right after they finished the other one. I would definitely recommend this book to pre-teen or teenagers who like friendship novels.
June 7, 2021
Per usual, I LOVE LOVE LOVEDDDD this Friendship List book!!!!!
Lisa Greenwald has a talent that not many authors have- she can make stories so relatable, you ask yourself, "Is this based on my real life or something?"
And yes, I would definitely, 100%, positively consider Lisa Greenwald one of my top fave authors!
Yes, I would recommend this book to a friend.
Lisa Greenwald has a talent that not many authors have- she can make stories so relatable, you ask yourself, "Is this based on my real life or something?"
And yes, I would definitely, 100%, positively consider Lisa Greenwald one of my top fave authors!
Yes, I would recommend this book to a friend.
January 7, 2022
This book felt long but good! 2 best friends go through obstacles in their friendship, and doing random things! For example they have a school year to learn to unicycle while hula hopping! How crazy is that? The reason why they do this is because they made a list of 13 things they wanted to do while being 13.
June 17, 2025
I can’t explain how ANNOYING Ari is. She’s not Kaylan’s unicorn. She says things out of timing and she doesn’t care about Kayla’s feelings correctly. I know they are 13 but my 13 year old sister is nicer than her!
I rate it 2 stars only because I enjoy Kaylan and I just can’t DNF a book. Not something I’m capable of 😂
- The book nerd 🤓
I rate it 2 stars only because I enjoy Kaylan and I just can’t DNF a book. Not something I’m capable of 😂
- The book nerd 🤓
January 30, 2021
I loved this book. I loved it because it switched between Ari’s and Kaylen’s perspective. Even though I didn’t read the previous books, and i read this book first, I could still understand what was going on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2022
I really liked this book. It wasn’t as good as the second one (in my opinion) because I felt like the characters seemed distant and the book wasn’t as well-described as it could’ve been. I think this list was the most unimportant, and the tasks on it weren’t too interesting.
July 3, 2023
2.5 stars. It was boring and the entire story there was nothing happening. I really did not enjoy this book as much as I anticipated. I just finished reading it and I can't tell you anything about it. Not memorable at all.
August 9, 2019
Love, love, LOVE!
This was a perfect third book. I wasn't able to read the second, only the first, but I didn't feel like I missed anything.
This was a perfect third book. I wasn't able to read the second, only the first, but I didn't feel like I missed anything.
February 16, 2020
Cute middle grade fare.
March 14, 2020
Cute. They really do have some deep thoughts for 13 year olds. There are some spots in there that really had me thinking, and good quotes.
July 9, 2020
Love love love love
August 17, 2020
Loved it! Cute series about friendship! Love this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews