
A viral video turns a girl into a hero, but her secret threatens to unravel everything.
Kate McAllister's life changes when a video of her saving a friend from bullying goes viral. Hailed as a hero, Kate hides a dark truth—she was part of the bullying. As the full story threatens to emerge, Kate must confront her past and decide who she truly wants to be. Will she continue living a lie, or find the courage to change? With her reputation and friendships on the line, Kate faces a pivotal choice that could redefine her future. Can she rise above her mistakes, or will the truth destroy her newfound status?
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.
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