This Is All Your Fault, Cassie Parker

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

This is a companion book to Drive Me Crazy which was told from friend Cassie's point of view. This is from friend Fiona's point of view and begins with the friendship intact, then her diary is stolen and read out loud on a school bus where Cassie hears some unkind things Fiona has written about her. Cassie is hurt and embarrassed and the friendship seems to have ended. With summer vacation about to begin,she is left without her best friend and struggles with loneliness and teasing at school while dealing with the aftermath of her parents divorce, her father's new girlfriend, trying to make new friends, a crush, learning how she is changing, going to a writing camp, and dealing with relationships and learns the importance of communication. A well written story of growth, maturing, self discovery, the difficulties of navigating middle school, dealing with both popular and mean classmates, new friendships, and changing family life are realistically portrayed. I also liked how the parents are portrayed with thoughtful discussions, suggestions and support while allowing the character to learn to solve her own problems but also to look at her own part in the problems. Very well done.

Overall Book Score: very good