Linked

Gordon Korman's 'Linked' is a compelling middle-grade mystery that tackles the serious issue of hate symbols and prejudice. When swastikas are found at a local school, the community of Chokecherry is thrown into turmoil. The story follows three distinct characters, Link, Michael, and Dana, as they navigate the investigation, deal with accusations, and experience the impact of this hate crime. Dana, the only Jewish girl in town, feels increasingly isolated, while Link, a popular student, tries to understand and unite his peers. The book explores themes of justice, identity, and the power of community to stand up against hate, culminating in a powerful project to combat division. It's an excellent choice for opening conversations about historical prejudice and contemporary social issues.

An unforgettable novel from the New York Times bestselling Gordon Korman. Link, Michael, and Dana live in a quiet town. But it's woken up very quickly when someone sneaks into school and vandalizes it with a swastika. Nobody can believe it. How could such a symbol of hate end up in the middle of their school? Who would do such a thing? Because Michael was the first person to see it, he's the first suspect. Because Link is one of the most popular guys in school, everyone's looking to him to figure it out. And because Dana's the only Jewish girl in the whole town, everyone's treating her more like an outsider than ever. The mystery deepens as more swastikas begin to appear. Some students decide to fight back and start a project to bring people together instead of dividing them further. The closer Link, Michael, and Dana get to the truth, the more there is to face-not just the crimes of the present, but the crimes of the past. With Linked, Gordon Korman, the author of the acclaimed novel Restart, poses a mystery for all readers where the who did it? isn't nearly as important as the why?