Upstander — James Preller

A gripping middle grade novel about secrets, trust, and the courage to stand up against bullying.

Mary O'Malley is tired of keeping secrets. Secrets like her older brother, Jonny's, drug use. Starting seventh grade is tough enough without the upheaval her brother is bringing to their family.

It seems the only person who might understand is Griffen Connolly, whose older sister runs with Jonny in the wrong crowd. Mary thought Griff was too cool, too popular for her. But now he wants to hang out with her, and listen.

When two girls Mary thought were her friends decide to cyberbully another girl online, Mary tries to look the other way. Then the girls turn on Mary, and suddenly, she doesn't have a safety zone. Her brother is out of control, her family's energies are all spent on him. There is only one person she can turn to. But can she trust Griff? Or is he one of the bullies?

In this compelling companion to Bystander, James Preller explores the themes of friendship, trust, and the courage it takes to stand up for what's right in the face of girl bullies and substance abuse. A must-read coming of age story for fans of middle grade realistic fiction.