First published 2022
Lily clutches her father's final words as she faces her biggest challenge yet. The shy eleven-year-old promised her dying dad she would "Strive for Five" and speak her mind at least five times. Now she must navigate public school for the first time without him. Sixth grade brings unexpected allies in Hobart, who loves curling, and quiet Dunya. Their friendship offers Lily hope that she might survive this new world. But when Ryan and his cruel friends target Lily and her companions, she faces an impossible choice. She must overcome her crushing anxiety to defend herself and others. The promise she made to her father becomes her guide as she learns what true friendship means. Libro, the book itself, provides commentary throughout Lily's journey with sharp wit and insight. Lily discovers that her father's tools can help her not only honor his memory but unite her entire school. Her struggle to find her voice becomes a battle for justice and belonging.
Genres: friendship, coming-of-age, contemporary, young-adult, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, overcoming-adversity
Setting: School
Period: Sixth Grade
288 pages · Paperback · Quill Tree Books
Content warnings: anxiety, depression