A relatable and educational debut middle grade novel—much-needed in today’s cyberbullying era—about navigating toxic friendship drama, bullying, and hurtful social experiences with self-worth and resilience.

At Northersley Academy—a choice middle school located in a beloved seaside town on the East Coast of the United States—social life is a hot mess. Ainsley is everyone’s friend, but even she is not safe from the school’s toxic mean-girl “Pacts”—cliques of kids who viciously control the social scene by casting out and bullying innocent classmates, often seemingly at random.

When a day that began like every other suddenly transforms into a social media nightmare, Ainsley, with help from friends and a handful of surprise upstanders and allies, must learn how to harness the strength within and become her own hero. Freakouts, fights, and flirting all get in her way, but Ainsley gradually muddles through the chaos. In the end, to stop the haters, her only option is to navigate the unexpected, stay true to herself, and embrace the idea that other people’s opinions of her will never be as important as how she feels about herself. #BU