This Is All Your Fault, Cassie Parker

In this heartwarming companion to Drive Me Crazy, twelve-year-old Fiona Coppleton is living a middle schooler’s worst nightmare: her diary was made public and her best friend is partly to blame.

Fiona and Cassie are supposed to be best friends forever. No one else listens or makes Fiona laugh like Cassie, and that meant everything when Fiona’s parents were divorcing. They love each other in spite of their (many) differences, and even though Cassie cares a little too much about being popular, Fiona can’t imagine life without her.

Until Fiona’s diary is stolen by the most popular girls at school, and her most secret thoughts are read out loud on the bus. Even worse: Cassie was there, and she didn’t do anything to stop it. Now, for some reason, she’s ignoring Fiona. Suddenly the whole world has shifted.

Life without a best friend is confusing, scary, maybe impossible. But as Fiona navigates a summer of big changes, she learns more about herself—and friendship—than she ever thought possible.

What happens when your best friend becomes your biggest problem?

• Best Friend Breakup: Fiona and Cassie were supposed to be forever. But when Cassie chooses popularity over loyalty, Fiona has to face the halls of her school all alone.
• Coming of Age: A heartfelt story about finding your voice, discovering who your real friends are, and learning to stand up for yourself, even when it’s scary.
• Navigating Middle School: From secret crushes and stolen diaries to the drama of the school bus, this is a relatable look at the ups and downs of middle school life.
• Family Changes: As if friend trouble wasn’t enough, Fiona is also dealing with her parents’ divorce and her dad’s new girlfriend moving into the picture.

“A lighthearted road trip story with a lot of middle school appeal.” - School Library Journal on Drive Me Crazy

“A trek across the continent evolves into a journey of personal growth in this affecting book.” - Kirkus on Drive Me Crazy

“Two very different girls in a car together with show tunes and wacky pit stops plus lots of desert make for a pretty sweet friendship story. Steer this towards fans of Lisa Graff’s Umbrella Summer and those drawn to books with plenty of heart.” - Booklist on Drive Me Crazy

“Told in the endearing voice of a wise-beyond-her-years 12-year-old with a knack for self-reflection, this deeply engrossing story offers gentle lessons about the shifting sands of friendship and family and not always getting what you want. A strong subplot features a realistic portrayal of Fiona’s affluent, African-American, co-parenting family. Readers who enjoyed McVoy’s Drive Me Crazy (2015) will welcome this companion novel. A smart, heartwarming novel about the ups and downs of family and friendship. ” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“This deeply engrossing story offers gentle lessons about the shifting sands of friendship and family and not always getting what you want. A smart, heartwarming novel. ” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)