• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

After accepting a ride home, sixteen-year-old Emma Kennedy is raped by a boy from school.

Handsome, popular Ross Schroeder tells everyone the sex was consensual, and Emma is immediately branded as a slut. Even Emma's best friend, Jen, doesn't believe Emma's version of events. In fact, she is angry with Emma because she feels betrayed. After all, she liked Ross first. But when Ross starts showing interest in Jen, Emma knows she will have to find a way to get Jen to believe that she really is in grave danger. Before it's too late.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

After nearly 30 years as a published author, Kristin has written more biographies of herself than she cares to remember. And she has run out of new ways to describe the same old life. Besides, she doesn't think of herself in terms of her birthplace, education, and work history. What she'd really like people to know about her is that she loves to dance. She loves to laugh. She loves to learn. Crossword puzzles relax her. Waiting frustrates her. She likes spending time by herself. And, like the heroine in her new book Closer to Far Away, she has a family that gives her strength. Her books include Cheat, Girls Like Me, The Druid and the Dragon, and Alibi. Kristin lives in Campbell River, British Columbia.

Kristin Butcher's profile page

"The plot is fast-paced and engaging, something that young readers will enjoy."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“It is well written and will absorb readers. The book sensitively discusses difficult topics such as rape and teen pregnancy as well as friendship and honesty that adolescents may face, and it may help them through difficult times.”

Must Read Literature: K thru YA

"An emotional, positive #MeToo story for reluctant readers."

Kirkus Reviews

“[It] isn’t a pretty book, but it’s an important one. Tackling such a complex and serious issue in such a short novel format is challenging, but Kristin Butcher does a wonderful job of it. Her story is clear, concise, sensitive, and informative.”

The Ormsby Reivew