About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a toxic or controlling friendship, especially if they are compromising their own values to fit in with a popular crowd. It speaks to the universal middle school desire to belong and the subtle, often painful realization that some friendships come at too high a cost to one's self-esteem. The story follows Pru, a sixth-grader who is swept up in the magnetic but manipulative influence of a new girl named Penny. As Pru navigates her new social status, she must grapple with the guilt of leaving her old friends behind and the pressure to conform. This realistic school story is ideal for ages 9 to 12, offering a mirror for those dealing with peer pressure and providing a roadmap for finding the courage to stand alone rather than stay in a friendship that feels like a cage.
