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A heartfelt middle grade story about changing friendships, peer pressure, and the courage to speak up when lines are crossed, perfect for fans of Starfish and Finally Heard.

Sophie Valentine would rather be at home, doing school virtually. Instead, she’s waiting in a crowded middle school building for her best friend, Eve, who’s finally back after an extended absence, which only Sophie knows the truth about.

But when Eve returns, things aren’t the same. First, Eve stops walking to school with her in the morning. Then, she’s ditching Sophie to hang out with the Crash Crew, a group of popular kids notorious for their social media dares. Eve seems to fit right in, but Sophie is devastated: Did she just lose her best friend?

When rumors surface that Eve is hiding a painful secret she didn’t share with Sophie, Sophie is spurred on an investigation to discover what—or who—caused the incident behind Eve’s sudden change…and why all clues lead back to the Crash Crew. Using lessons from her forensics class and the help of a new friend, Sophie will have to uncover the truth before more harm is done.

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"Engaging as it is enlightening, Conklin has weaved a layered tale with realistic, multigenerational tendrils of misogyny and misconduct. An invaluable read."
Alex Gino, award-winning author of Melissa and Green
"Conklin crushes her depiction of middle school, with old friendships changed and new friendships gained, cliques, peer pressure, and all the anxiety and courage of growing up."
Barbara O’Connor, award-wining author of Wish and How to Steal a Dog
"A beautiful story bursting with love on every page."
Claire Legrand, New York Times-bestselling author of Some Kind of Happiness
“[A] layered, perceptive examination of shifting friendship and post-pandemic anxiety.”
Publishers Weekly
"Relatable, informative, and needed."
Kirkus Reviews
"Melanie Conklin has made a career of tackling tough, important topics in her work, but Crushed is her most ambitious and significant book yet."
Jarrett Lerner, award-winning author/illustrator of A Work in Progress
"Compulsively readable, deeply compassionate, and ultimately empowering.”
Anne Ursu, author of Not Quite a Ghost
"A captivating, empowering story that's full of heart, hope, and healing."
Supriya Kelkar, acclaimed author of The Cobra's Song and American as Paneer Pie
"A timely novel that tackles mental health, friendship, and the impact of social media on tweens."
School Library Journal

On Sale: Jan 13, 2026
Page Count: 256 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9780316509275

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Melanie Conklin

About the Author

Melanie Conklin grew up in North Carolina and worked as a product designer before she began her writing career. She is the author of middle grade novels Counting Thyme, Every Missing Piece, A Perfect Mistake, Crushed (2024), and her debut picture book, When You Have to Wait. Her books have won awards such as the International Literacy Association Teacher’s Choice Award, Bank Street Best Children’s Book, and nominations to seven state reading lists. When she’s not writing, Melanie spends her time doodling and dreaming up new ways to be creative. She lives in Massachusetts with her family.

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Melanie Conklin

About the Author