She's the Liar by Alison Cherry
Published by Scholastic Press on May 28th 2019
ISBN: 1338306146
Pages: 208
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

This novel about siblings and misunderstandings is a good addition to any middle school realistic fiction collection.  6th grader Abby has recently transferred to her sister’s boarding school in Vermont. Making this big change to a new school is exactly what withdrawn and scared Abby needs to become someone new.  She is now Abbi, an outgoing and friendly girl and is loving her new life until she has to go head to head with her popular and powerful 8th grade sister Sydney. Syd also acts very differently than she did in elementary school and Abbi is shocked to see how much sway (and fear) she holds over the student body.  The novel is divided into two sections, first offering a glimpse at Abbi’s perspective and then delving into Syd’s thoughts and motivations. Both girls are not what they portray to the school and it is only because they are sisters that they can let their guard down with each other. While the title (She’s the Liar!) implies that there is one big issue they both are fighting about, the story goes a bit deeper into identity and self-actualization.  A nice read for young middle schoolers, this story explores how hard it can be to show your real self.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook