Beloved author Rita Williams-Garcia intertwines the lives of three very different teens in this fast-paced, gritty narrative about choices and the impact that even the most seemingly insignificant ones can have. A National Book Award finalist.

One day. One huge New York City high school. Three girls, headed toward one slow-motion collision.

There’s Trina, a pretty, self-involved artist who’s sure she’s bringing beauty and color to the lives of everyone around her, regardless of what they really think. There’s Leticia, who skates by on minimal effort; she’s more interested in her cell phone, her nails, and gossip than school. And there’s Dominique, an angry basketball player who’s been benched for low grades.

When Trina unknowingly offends Dominique, Dominique decides that it’s going down—after school, she’s going to jump Trina. Trina has no idea. And Leticia is the only witness to Dominique’s rage, the only one who could stop the beatdown from coming. But does she want to get involved in this mess?


  • Multiple POV: Told from the clashing perspectives of the Victim, the Bully, and the Bystander, where the truth depends on who’s telling it.
  • YA Bullying Books: A raw, unflinching look at high school violence and the social pressures that lead to a girl fight.
  • Choices and Consequences: Leticia is the only one who knows what’s coming for Trina. Her choice—to speak up or stay silent—will change everything.
  • Realistic Fiction for Teens: A National Book Award finalist that captures the authentic voices and tough realities of life in a big-city high school.

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Published Dec 21, 2010

192 pages

Average rating: 10

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