Remember all the high school drama? Well, this book will take you on a trip back in time: crushes that crushed back others that didn't, backstabbing friends, true friends, hazing, pressure to belong... You can even read some of Charlie's school news bulletin. Yup, it's high school alright.
Is Charlie a mean girl? In a way, yes.
She doesn't insult people or put them down, but she will stand by quietly while a friend hurts someone who didn't do anything to deserve it. People like that sometimes seem meaner than the bully itself -- if only they would have your back maybe the bullying would stop. It's important Charley finds her voice. Not everyone will hate her if she speaks her mind. I enjoyed watching her struggle and progress, and desist. Change is never easy.
Will also made a nice male lead, dealing with his own pressure to make a sports team.
This is the first book I read from Wiseman although I am a big fan of Mean Girls and appreciated all the research she put into this novel. Her new book
Masterminds Wingmen filled with stories and advice for boys will be released on September 2013.