Niki Ames can’t wait to start eighth grade, that all-important year before high school. She and her best friend Ava have shared so many plans for the coming year. But then the unthinkable happens: at gym class pair-up, Ava chooses someone else to be her partner. Niki is devastated. It’s clear that Ava wants to be part of the popular group, leaving Niki behind. Niki has to decide who her real friends should be, where her real interests lie. Meanwhile, life at home is complicated. Niki’s nine-year-old brother Danny continues to act out more and more publicly. Their mother refuses to admit that Danny is somewhere on the autism spectrum, but it’s clear he needs help. Niki doesn’t want to be like her brother, to be labeled as different. She just wants to be popular! Is she a bad sister and a bad best friend?
Topics Best friends. Friendship. Autism. Middle schools. Family life. Conduct of life. Coming of age. Consent.
Lexile 580L
Trim Size 8 1/4" x 5 1/2"
JLG Span Fall
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2020-03-23
JLG Release Date Jul 2020
Minimum grade 5
Maximum grade 8
Reading level Middle
Format Print
PG Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
PG Middle Plus
PG Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
For Grades 5-8
For middle school readers who enjoy fascinating stories but want less edgy content, PGM is the perfect choice. Be assured that the 14 books offered in this category will be inoffensive to readers, teachers and parents.