I.R.L.

This chapter book follows sixth grader Lucy, who moves to remote Alaska hoping to leave past bullying behind. She's initially thrilled to find welcoming friends through her new school's online learning program. However, as the weather thaws and in-person meetings approach, Lucy discovers a disturbing secret about her school and her new connections. It's a compelling story about starting over, the complexities of online friendships, and uncovering the truth, perfect for readers navigating social challenges and a good mystery.

"Not every kid would be thrilled to move to rural Alaska, but sixth grader Lucy is eager to leave her bullies behind and start over. However, it turns out that Lucy's new school does remote learning from October to April, when the roads become too icy to navigate safely. Being the new kid is hard enough--how is she going to make friends when she can't meet anyone in person? Luckily, the sixth grade class at White Pine Secondary School is tiny (just thirteen students)and they're all super nice and really welcoming... As the ice starts to thaw, Lucy grows increasingly excited about meeting her new friends in person. But when she enters the school's address on her phone's GPS, it leads her to a crumbling, clearly abandoned building with a rotted wood sign in front --a sign that reads White Pine Secondary School"--