Pack of Dorks

Fourth-grader Lucy’s life is unraveling before her eyes, and it all started with a kiss. One day she is given a plastic dollar-store ring by classmate Tom Lemming after kissing him on the playground. The next, she misplaces the ring, and Tom turns on her. Lucy’s best friend Becky, terrified of losing her social status, won’t stand up for Lucy, even though outside of school she assures Lucy she’s still her friend. Then, Lucy’s sister, Molly, is born with Down syndrome, and her parents’ behavior changes too (“I wasn’t sure she and Dad had room to worry about my problems any more now that they had a whole syndrome to manage”). A class project with a quiet boy named Sam and the company of exuberant, nose-picking classmate April place Lucy in the dangerous territory of “Dorkdom,” but these new friends are loyal and make Lucy smile. Lucy’s growth and smart, funny observations entertain and empower in Vrabel’s debut, a story about the benefits of embracing one’s true self and treating others with respect. Ages 8–12. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Oct.)