Petrou sheds light on mob bullying in a well-told tale of teenage revenge that pays homage to works such as Carrie and Heathers. Stevie, the 14-year-old girl who narrates this novel set in Woepine, Ontario, from Canadian author Petrou (Sister of Mine for adults), has just entered high school, -that melting pot of cool and cruel, that place that will change you for the better and worse.- Stevie befriends Dee, a new student and one of the outcasts ruled by the -privileged dicks that roam the school... like medieval lords.- Dee urges the bullied to fight back. At first, their pranks are innocuous: unflattering photos posted on lockers along with the words -Love, Heather.- But soon these stunts take on a vicious tone, leaving Stevie to wonder: is it -the victims fighting back or a new many-headed bully-monster?- And before long, Stevie becomes the target of horrific social media intimidation as well as physical threats from classmates. The buildup to the shattering climax is a tad slow, but readers will keep turning the pages to see how the inevitable emotional explosion plays out. Ages 12-up. Agent: Martha Webb, Cooke McDermid Agency. (Oct.)

Gr 9 Up-Navigating the freshmen class's social circles has not come easily to old movieloving Stevie after losing her best friend Lottie to gossip and rumors from the ruling queen bees Paige and Breanne. When fearless and charismatic Dee appears, she and Stevie start a series of pranks signed Love, Heather to get even with the tormentors of less popular students. As the practical jokes escalate and spiral out of control, Stevie struggles to reconnect with the adults in her life who seem to have no time for her and her growing anguish. Finding herself at the bottom of a downward spiral after a shocking event, Stevie will make a drastic decision that will change everyone's life forever. A timely novel about the effects of long-term bullying, Petrou's story will resonate with today's teens. This novel drives home many of the post-Too topics that other authors have explored. The main character will be relatable to readers who struggle to find their place in a school social hierarchy, but the story traverses much more than status, as Petrou explores the vulnerability of teens who don't have a strong support network. The dialogue is fresh and authentic, and readers will root for Stevie even if she stumbles time and again. VERDICT Some 1980's pop culture references might be lost to younger teens, but overall this novel drives a powerful message of strength and self-love. Purchase where realistic fiction is in high demand. Carol Youssif, Taipei American School, Taiwan