About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their middle schooler suddenly finds themselves on the outside of their friend group or is struggling with the toxic power dynamics of a 'queen bee' social circle. It provides a raw, realistic look at how quickly school social landscapes can shift, validating the intense pain and confusion of being ghosted by peers. The story follows a group of five girls ruled by the charismatic but manipulative Candace, who decides on a whim who is in and who is out. By exploring the perspectives of several different girls in the clique, the book highlights the internal conflict between wanting to belong and wanting to be a good person. It is an excellent resource for normalizing the messy reality of middle school social politics and encouraging children to seek out authentic, kind friendships rather than status-driven ones.
