Jessica is furious when her English teacher assigns her to work on a class project with Daphne, the sullen girl whom everyone teases. As Jessica becomes better acquainted with Daphne and the harsh environment in which she lives, she begins to value their friendship more than winning acceptance among her other peers. A fast moving, painfully realistic novel about 7th grade conformity and conflict. (Ages 9-13)

The Secret

Everybody in Jessica's English class makes fun of Daphne. She never says a word to anyone -- just walks around with her nose in a book, with her long straggly hair hanging over her face. Now the worst thing has happened. The teacher has assigned Jessica to be partners with Daphne in the Write-A-Book contest!

But being forced to work with the class "weirdo", Jessica gets an even bigger surprise. Not only does Daphne talk to her, but she tells Jessica a terrible secret...one that Jessica knows could be very dangerous to keep.