Crushed

A heartfelt middle grade story about changing friendships, peer pressure, and the courage to speak up when lines are crossed, perfect for fans of Starfish and Finally Heard.

Sophie Valentine would rather be at home, doing school virtually. Instead, she's waiting in a crowded middle school building for her best friend, Eve, who's finally back after an extended absence, which only Sophie knows the truth about.

But when Eve returns, things aren't the same. First, Eve stops walking to school with her in the morning. Then, she's ditching Sophie to hang out with the Crash Crew, a group of popular kids notorious for their social media dares. Eve seems to fit right in, but Sophie is devastated: Did she just lose her best friend?

When rumors surface that Eve is hiding a painful secret she didn't share with Sophie, Sophie is spurred on an investigation to discover what--or who--caused the incident behind Eve's sudden change...and why all clues lead back to the Crash Crew. Using lessons from her forensics class and the help of a new friend, Sophie will have to uncover the truth before more harm is done.

Author: Melanie Conklin
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 07/16/2024
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.69lbs
Size: 7.91h x 5.55w x 0.89d
ISBN: 9780316509176
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.6
Point Value: 6
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 550236 / Crushed


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 04/08/2024
Booklist 05/15/2024 pg. 48
Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2024
School Library Journal 06/28/2024 pg. 1

About the Author
Melanie Conklin grew up in North Carolina and worked as a product designer before she began her writing career. She is the author of middle grade novels Counting Thyme, Every Missing Piece, A Perfect Mistake, Crushed (2024), and her debut picture book, When You Have to Wait. Her books have won awards such as the International Literacy Association Teacher's Choice Award, Bank Street Best Children's Book, and nominations to seven state reading lists. When she's not writing, Melanie spends her time doodling and dreaming up new ways to be creative. She lives in Massachusetts with her family.