When twelve-year-old Cove Bernstein becomes the target of a school-wide bullying campaign, she sets out to find a way to leave her home on Marthaâs Vineyard for New York City, where her best friend lives. But Cove discovers that friends can appear in the unlikeliest places, and maybe home isnât the worst place to be after all.
Jennifer Blecherâs debut novel is a voice-driven story about bullying, friendship, and self-reliance that hits the sweet spot for fans of Ali Benjaminâs The Thing About Jellyfish and Erin Entrada Kellyâs You Go First.
Twelve-year-old Cove Bernsteinâs year has gone from bad to worse. First, her best friend, Nina, moved from Marthaâs Vineyard to New York City. Then, without Nina around, Cove became the target of a bullying campaign at school. Escape seems impossible.
But opportunities can appear when you least expect them. Coveâs visit to a secondhand clothing store leads her to a surprising chance to visit Nina, but only if she can win a coveted place in a kids-only design competition. Cove doesnât know how to sew, but her friend at the retirement home, Anna, has promised to teach her. And things start really looking up when a new kid at school, Jack, begins appearing everywhere Cove goes.
Then Cove makes a big mistake. One that could ruin every good thing that has happened to her this year. One that she doesnât know how to undo.
Jennifer Blecherâs accessible and beautifully written debut novel explores actions and consequences, loneliness, bullying, and finding your voice. This voice-driven friendship story is for fans of Rebecca Steadâs Goodbye Stranger and Jodi Kendallâs The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City.
Includes black-and-white spot art throughout.