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

Mike is in love with his best friend, Lindsay. And he's pretty sure she feels the same way…until a misunderstanding destroys Lindsay's trust.

Devastated, Lindsay leaves town for the summer. When she returns in the fall, she has reinvented herself, dressing differently and hanging with the "in" crowd. And she wants nothing to do with Mike.

When a video of a very intoxicated Lindsay goes viral, Mike has to figure out a way to be there for his friend when she needs him most.

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.

Alex Van Tol taught middle school for eight years, then made the switch to writing for a living. A writer of fiction and nonfiction for kids and teens, she has published over 10 books including Great Bear Rainforest: A Giant-Screen Adventure in the Land of the Spirit Bear with Ian McAllister and several titles in the Orca Currents, Soundings and Sports lines. Alex lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her family.

Alex Van Tol's profile page

"Packed with violent drama, this entry in Orca's Soundings line of books for reluctant readers is intense...Many teens will be drawn to the contemporary high-school story about enemies, friends, and lovers that explores headline issues."

Booklist

"Lots to like here—the story is easy to follow and full of ripped from the headlines issues. I especially liked Mike's willingness to ask his mom for advice and for her non-judgmental, love and logic responses."

Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media

"Any reader will be able to relate to this story through its fast paced storyline and interesting plot, and it will not only captivate reluctant readers, but all readers across all spectrums. Van Tol's use of technology within the story aids the plot and adds to the horror within the novel, as Mike's peers misuse technology to destroy another. I was captivated by this novel, and the ending was phenomenal! I highly recommend this for all reluctant readers, but advise everyone to read it as the interest level and moral themes are for everyone. Five stars."

Bookvacations.wordpress.com

"A good title for reluctant readers, especially boys. This short, soap-opera like novel is timely, fast-paced and interesting...Today's teens will be able to relate to all the technology used by the characters...A good starting off place for discussion."

BookLinx