Things That Surprise You

Emily Murphy is about to enter middle school. She's sort of excited…though not nearly as much as her best friend Hazel, who is ready for everything to be new. Emily wishes she and Hazel could just continue on as they always have, being the biggest fans ever of the Unicorn Chronicles, making up dance moves, and getting their regular order at The Slice.

But things are changing. At home, Emily and her mom are learning to move on after her parents' divorce. Hardest of all, her beloved sister Mina has been in a treatment facility to deal with her anorexia. Emily is eager to have her back, but anxious about her sister getting sick again.

Hazel is changing too. She has new friends from the field hockey team, is starting to wear makeup, and have crushes on boys. Emily is trying to keep up, but she keeps doing and saying the wrong thing. She wants to be the perfect new Emily. But who is that really?

• Navigating Friendship: Best friends forever? Emily isn’t so sure now that Hazel has new friends, new interests, and a new personality for middle school.
• A Story About Sisterhood: Emily is desperate to have her older sister Mina home from treatment for an eating disorder, but she’s terrified of what their new normal will look like.
• Heartfelt and Relatable: A touching story about a girl trying to find her place when her family, her friendships, and even her own identity are changing all at once.
• Middle School Growing Pains: From crushes and makeup to wondering who you’re supposed to be, Emily’s journey is a perfect read for anyone starting a new chapter.