
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the heavy weight of protective responsibility or the isolation of sensing a danger that adults seem to dismiss. Nancy Springer crafts a tense, realistic mystery that validates a young person's intuition and explores the complex bond between sisters. It addresses the unsettling reality of stalking and the psychological toll of vigilance, making it an excellent bridge for discussing personal safety and trusting one's instincts. While the subject matter is serious, it is handled with the sensitivity of a master storyteller, focusing on the protagonist's emotional bravery rather than gratuitous thrills. It is ideal for ages 12 and up as a way to normalize the anxiety of growing up and the importance of standing up for loved ones.
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Sign in to write a reviewCarly must decide when it is okay to break rules to protect her sister.
The book deals directly with stalking and predatory behavior. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the psychological impact on the family unit. The resolution is realistic, emphasizing safety and legal intervention rather than a vigilante triumph.
A middle or high schooler who feels a strong sense of duty toward their siblings or who often feels their observations are dismissed by the adults in their lives due to their age.
Parents should be aware of scenes involving the stalker's proximity which can be quite tense. It is best read with an open line of communication regarding 'stranger danger' versus 'creepy' behavior from known acquaintances. A parent might see their child becoming hyper-vigilant about a sibling's social media or physical whereabouts, or perhaps hear their child express fear about a stranger that the parent initially brushed off.
Younger teens will focus on the 'detective' aspect and the thrill of the mystery, while older teens will likely resonate more with the themes of autonomy and the burden of keeping others safe.
Unlike many YA thrillers that lean into romance or gore, Springer focuses on the visceral bond of sisterhood and the specific trauma of not being believed, making the emotional stakes feel deeply personal.
The story follows Carly, a teenager who becomes increasingly convinced that her older sister is being stalked. As she notices subtle, unsettling patterns that others overlook, she must navigate the frustration of being unheard by adults while taking matters into her own hands to ensure her sister's safety.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.