About this item
Highlights
- In this timely, call-to-action contemporary middle grade novel from Claire Swinarski, author of What Happens Next, a twelve-year-old girl must face herself, and the truth, after her participation in a bullying incident goes viral.
- 8-12 Years
- 7.65" x 5.25" Paperback
- 320 Pages
- Juvenile Fiction, Family
Description
Book Synopsis
In this timely, call-to-action contemporary middle grade novel from Claire Swinarski, author of What Happens Next, a twelve-year-old girl must face herself, and the truth, after her participation in a bullying incident goes viral.
Kate McAllister is desperate for a change. Something to hit refresh and erase the pain of her mother leaving town without her. So when a group of popular girls folds Kate into their clique, it feels like the answer to all her problems--even if it means ditching Haddie, her childhood bestie.
But when Kate's new friends decide that Haddie is their next target, Kate becomes a passive participant in a cruel incident that could have killed Haddie...had Kate not stepped in, at the last minute, and saved her. The next day, a cell phone video of the rescue goes viral, and Kate is hailed a hero. But Kate knows the truth--she was part of the problem--and it's only a matter of time until the full version of the video is released and everyone knows it too.
With so much at stake, Kate must decide who she wants to be: a liar, a follower, or someone greater.
Review Quotes
"An engaging and inspiring novel about standing up for what's right, being your authentic self, and finding the strength to use your voice." -- Lynne Kelly, author of Song For a Whale
"This messy middle-school drama shines a light on what it means to develop identity. Illuminating." -- Kirkus Reviews
The Kate In Between is a perfect portrayal of the middle school struggle to fit in and find one's true self. Kate's voice had me hooked from the first page. Outstanding! -- Lisa Greenwald, author of the Friendship List series
Well written and on point, Swinarski's middle-grade take on the mean-girls novel will resonate with readers looking for a realistic story that doesn't gloss over choices or consequences, giving them complex ideas to contemplate. -- Booklist
"Swinarski adeptly presents multiple, and at times conflicting, sides of Kate in her struggle to figure out who she is and who she wants to be. With a well-developed protagonist, this book tackles bullying, friendship, parental roles, social -media and social justice." -- School Library Journal