Fifteen-year-old Sophie sees her move to Victoria as a chance to start over and leave her old self behind. She is soon drawn into the orbit of the charismatic but troubled Zelia. As their friendship develops, and Zelia's behavior becomes increasingly self-destructive, Sophie struggles to maintain both the friendship and her own sense of self. Then Sophie meets Max. At first, Max seems to be Zelia's opposite: direct, straightforward and sure of herself. But this new friendship brings its own unexpected challenges and confusion, and Sophie slowly starts to realize that friendships are a place in which one can both lose and discover oneself.

Robin Stevenson is the award-winning author of more than 25 books for kids and teens, including the board book Pride Colors, the picture book Ghost’s Journey: A Refugee Story and the nonfiction books Kid Activists and Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle. The first edition of her nonfiction book Pride: Celebrating Diversity & Community (2016) won a Stonewall Honor and was shortlisted for numerous other awards. Robin lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where she attends Pride celebrations with her family every year, but always leaves her dog safely at home.

Robin Stevenson's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
• Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets

"The novel takes an honest, gentle, non-judgmental look at the making of 'mean girls' and the devastating impact their bullying has on Sophie."

Jeunesse

"This story is about friendship and self-worth. It will be a good choice where issue-driven fiction is popular."

VOYA

"What sets this debut [novel] apart is the strong first-person narration and the full, rich development of even minor characters."

Booklist

"This novel is impossible to put down. Highly Recommended."

CM Magazine

"Plenty of students, especially teenage girls would enjoy this novel."

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