PLAY NICE

This middle-grade novel tackles the complex social dynamics of school friendships with raw honesty and emotional depth, exploring how playground politics evolve into something much more serious as kids approach their teen years. Through alternating perspectives of students navigating shifting alliances and hurtful gossip, the story reveals how seemingly small conflicts can escalate into life-changing situations that test loyalties and challenge moral compasses. The narrative doesn't shy away from portraying the genuine pain caused by exclusion and social manipulation while maintaining age-appropriate accessibility for readers grappling with similar real-world situations. Parents will appreciate how the book handles bullying themes with nuance rather than oversimplification, showing both the perpetrators' motivations and the victims' resilience.

What makes this story particularly effective is its refusal to provide easy answers, instead encouraging readers to think critically about peer pressure, empathy, and the consequences of their choices. The characters feel authentically twelve—neither overly innocent nor prematurely worldly—capturing that transitional period where childhood friendships begin to fracture under new social pressures. Young readers who've experienced the anxiety of cafeteria politics or group chat drama will find their experiences validated, while the resolution offers hope without being unrealistically tidy. This exploration of relational aggression and social survival skills will resonate deeply with anyone navigating the complicated landscape of middle school friendships.