If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period

Kirsten's parents are barely speaking to each other, and her best friend has fallen under the spell of the school's queen bee, Brianna. It seems like only Kirsten's younger science-geek sister is on her side. Walker's goal is to survive at the new white private school his mom has sent him to because she thinks he's going to screw up like his cousin. But he's a good kid. So is his friend Matteo, though no one knows why he'll do absolutely anything that hot blond Brianna asks of him. But all of this feels almost trivial when Kirsten and Walker discover a secret that shakes them both to the core.

About the author

GENNIFER CHOLDENKO is the author of Newbery Honor book Al Capone Does My Shirts, which was on the New York Times Bestseller list for six months, an ALA BBYA, an ALA Notable book, and received the Sid Fleischman Humor, in addition to other kudos. She graduated from Brandeis University and attended the Rhode Island School of Design. She previously worked at an advertising agency, and has written picture books as well. She lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband and two children. www.choldenko.com

Summary

Kirsten's parents are barely speaking to each other, and her best friend has fallen under the spell of the school's queen bee, Brianna. It seems like only Kirsten's younger science-geek sister is on her side. Walker's goal is to survive at the new white private school his mom has sent him to because she thinks he's going to screw up like his cousin. But he's a good kid. So is his friend Matteo, though no one knows why he’ll do absolutely anything that hot blond Brianna asks of him. But all of this feels almost trivial when Kirsten and Walker discover a secret that shakes them both to the core.

Additional text

"The issues raised are spot-on for this age group. . . . (an) under-the-microscope examination of the often cruel, always dramatic dynamics of junior high."--Publishers Weekly "Choldenko . . . has a spiky wit, an empathetic eye for kids’ foibles and fears, an ear for their distinctive voices and an impressive range . . . While [this book] treats issues of race, class and marital discord fearlessly, it's also one of the funniest they'll read this year."--The Washington Post Book World     

Product details

• Authors: Gennifer Choldenko, Choldenko Gennifer Choldenko
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 10 to 12
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 06.04.2009
• EAN: 9780152066444
• ISBN: 978-0-15-206644-4
• No. of pages: 224
• Dimensions: 130 mm x 194 mm x 16 mm
• Weight: 172 g
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books; Guides > Self-help, everyday life > Family; YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Science Fiction / General *, YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Social Themes / Friendship *, YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings *, YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism *, YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Coming of Age *, YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Family / Marriage & Divorce *, JUVENILE FICTION: Family / Marriage & Divorce, YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Religious / General *, YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Social Themes / Religion & Faith *, YOUNG ADULT FICTION: African American & Black