The Kate in Between - by Claire Swinarski (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"This messy middle-school drama shines a light on what it means to develop identity. Illuminating." - Kirkus Reviews
The Kate In Between is a perfect portrayal of the middle school struggle to fit in and find one's true self. Kate's voice had me hooked from the first page. Outstanding! - Lisa Greenwald, author of the Friendship List series
Well written and on point, Swinarski's middle-grade take on the mean-girls novel will resonate with readers looking for a realistic story that doesn't gloss over choices or consequences, giving them complex ideas to contemplate. - Booklist
"An engaging and inspiring novel about standing up for what's right, being your authentic self, and finding the strength to use your voice." - Lynne Kelly, author of Song For a Whale
"Swinarski adeptly presents multiple, and at times conflicting, sides of Kate in her struggle to figure out who she is and who she wants to be. With a well-developed protagonist, this book tackles bullying, friendship, parental roles, social -media and social justice." - School Library Journal