So Not Okay

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is navigating the complex social hierarchy of the 'mean girl' dynamic or struggling with the guilt of being a silent witness to peer exclusion. It is a lifeline for the child who wants to be kind but is terrified that standing up for an outcast will make them the next target. The story follows Tori, a quiet sixth grader who must decide whether to maintain her safety within the status quo or risk her social standing to help a bullied classmate named Ginger. Through Tori's internal struggle, the book explores themes of empathy, courage, and the spiritual conviction required to do what is right. It is particularly suited for children aged 10 to 14 who are finding their moral compass in the often-harsh environment of middle school social circles. Parents will appreciate how it models the transition from a passive bystander to an active upstander with realistic consequences.