Liana Gardner is een schrijfster die een pragmatische kijk combineert met een levendige verbeelding, waarbij ze voortdurend verhalen vindt die zich onder de oppervlakte van het dagelijks leven verbergen. Haar werk wordt gekenmerkt door een diepe betrokkenheid bij menselijke emoties en het ingewikkelde weefsel van het bestaan. Gardner put inspiratie uit de wereld om haar heen en verkent behendig de verborgen motivaties en innerlijke conflicten van haar personages. Door haar onderscheidende vertelstem moedigt ze lezers aan om na te denken over hun eigen levenspaden en de kracht van verbeelding om uitdagingen te overwinnen.
"In this award-winning book inspired by true events, 7th grade turns out to be anything but normal when teachers announce the students' bloodless revolution succeeded and they are now in charge. After conducting a secret-ballot vote on policy, the 7th graders emerge to find the school evacuated and the FBI lurking outside with the task of unearthing a treasure of national importance."-- Publisher
The story follows Katie McCabe as she navigates the aftermath of her father's death and her relocation to a new town with her uncle. Feeling out of place and isolated, her struggles intensify during her freshman year, particularly due to conflicts with the son of a powerful local figure. The tension escalates when Katie is unexpectedly kidnapped and abandoned in the wilderness, forcing her to confront her fears and fight for survival. This gritty YA novel explores themes of loss, resilience, and the quest for belonging.
Struggling to find happiness after a traumatic experience, Katie McCabe faces the aftermath of being abandoned by the town bully, Denton. As she navigates her anger and the complexities of her friendships, including a best friend on the run and a growing bond with Logan, tensions rise. With Denton seeking revenge for his arrest, Katie must confront her fears and fight for her survival. The story explores themes of resilience, loyalty, and the quest for justice in the face of adversity.