(2) 4-6 An offbeat rural school's seventh graders are obsessed with what happened to charismatic class clown Paulie, who hasn't returned for the new year. Reluctant new-kid Caitlyn judges a reality show–like competition to crown Paulie's successor. Sections narrated by Caitlyn are interspersed with interviews, emails, and text messages, which makes for a breezy read. Frequently laugh-out-loud funny, the novel captures the quirks and traditions of a small community.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(4) 4-6 Suzy starts seventh grade traumatized by the accidental drowning of her former best friend, Franny, and by her parents' separation. However, she finds solace in researching the jellyfish she persuades herself caused Franny's death. Promising in voice, although overburdened by issues (including selective mutism), this is an original and affecting take on the preteen-turmoil novel.

Reviewer: Nina Lindsay