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Writer's pictureVanessa Bettencourt

Crushed







5 Stars

This middle-grade speaks of bullying in a way that is a fine line before crossing into crime and illegal. The students act as a group of kids who are just daring each other to do stuff, so they can post viral videos online, but some of them are mean and creepy, they damage property, do vandalism, and steal. They pressure and abuse each other, offend, and create an environment that may lead to self-harm. These are very relatable themes nowadays that make peer pressure worse when associated with social media. At the same time, we follow Sophie, who is dealing with change and making new friends instead. 


 I love that the author introduces short chapters with the thoughts of extra characters. We also have a great insight into what it is like to go to therapy and how positive it can be in helping to cope with people and what we can't control. There is a very subtle lesson showing that kids are mostly mirrors of their parent's behavior and beliefs (which is not always true but can be). 


Sophie is also studying forensics and she uses the knowledge to discover who had harassed her best friend and other girls. 


We usually don't see many middle grades about sexual harassment, but this book uses the theme in a very educational way, bringing the opinions of different generations and mentioning the importance of not being quiet. The need for good changes in our society. 



@tbrbeyondtour


Book Info:

Crushed by Melanie Conklin

Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary

Publishing Date: July 16, 2024

 

Synopsis:

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 The Benefits of Being an Octopus.  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 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. 


Content Warning: harassment, self harm, misogyny

 

Book Links:

 

About the Author:

Melanie Conklin is the author of Counting Thyme, Every Missing Piece, and A Perfect Mistake. Melanie grew up in North Carolina and worked as a product designer before she began her writing career. When she’s not writing, Melanie spends her time doodling and dreaming up new ways to be creative. She lives in New Jersey with her family.

 

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