The Pity Party — Alison Pollet

The sequel to Alison Pollet's brilliant debut, NOBODY WAS HERE, follows quick-witted Cass Levin, through the rugged terrain of 8th grade at New York City's Elston Prep.

Why are there so many books about orphans? That's what Cass Levin wants to know. Why, just about every book on the reading list for her English class is about an orphan! Huckleberry Finn, Oliver Twist, Jane Eyre -- orphan, orphan, orphan! It's enough to make Cass, who just so happens to be an orphan herself, wonder: Is her English teacher out to get her?
Actually, when 8th grade begins, Cass feels like the entire school is out to get her. She's stuck in classes without her closest friends Penelope and Tillie to keep her company -- which is only made worse by the fact that they have all