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Crushed
A heartfelt middle grade story about changing friendships, peer pressure, and the courage to speak up when lines are crossed, perfect for fans of Starfish and The Benefits of Being an Octopus. Sophie Valentine would rather be at home, doing school virtually. Instead, she’s waiting in a crowded middle school building for her best friend, Eve, who’s finally back after an extended absence, which only Sophie knows the truth about. But when Eve returns, things aren’t the same. First, Eve stops walking to school with her in the morning. Then, she’s ditching Sophie to hang out with the Crash Crew, a group of popular kids notorious for their social media dares. Eve seems to fit right in, but Sophie is Did she just lose her best friend? When rumors surface that Eve is hiding a painful secret she didn’t share with Sophie, Sophie is spurred on an investigation to discover what—or who—caused the incident behind Eve’s sudden change...and why all clues lead back to the Crash Crew. Using lessons from her forensics class and the help of a new friend, Sophie will have to uncover the truth before more harm is done.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published July 16, 2024
5 people are currently reading
2838 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Conklin
6 books229 followersMelanie Conklin is the author of Counting Thyme, Every Missing Piece, and A Perfect Mistake. Melanie grew up in North Carolina and worked as a product designer before she began her writing career. When she’s not writing, Melanie spends her time doodling and dreaming up new ways to be creative. She lives in New Jersey with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 23, 2024
✰ 3 stars ✰
“We only know a tiny proportion about the complexity of the natural world. Wherever you look, there are still things we don’t know about and don’t understand.…
There are always new things to find out if you go looking for them.”
Melanie Conklin's latest middle grade novel tackles peer pressure, the shift in friendships, the harmful effects of social media, and what are the limits of crossing the line between what is appropriate and what is not.
And twelve-year-old Sophie does have a lot on her mind and her heart that she is literally and viscerally being Crushed by. Panic attacks and the inner fear that her best friend, Eve no longer considers her one - when she has always been there by her side, is a hard thing to process and stomach. But, what matters is to be a friend, regardless - of those issues. 🫂 And Sophie rose to that conflict - I admired her resilience and courage, despite the panic attacks that she would struggle through - she never really lost heart. Nowadays, I have noticed a lot of middle grade reads having their characters embrace therapy, proving that it is a resounding positive effect on their lives - a helpful one for them to talk through their issues.
“If you think about it, the whole concept of going viral is terrifying. I mean, it’s not a good thing to catch a virus. Viruses can kill people.”
It was an interesting take on the pandemic, as well - to incorporate the similarities of the no-touching rule and how a virus can have as harmful effects as that of a video going viral - for the wrong reasons. It is both unpleasant and an unsavory feeling that lingers even when you feel that the effects are no longer there - a shadow of what has plagued you for so long. 😞 Seeing how deeply Sophie was affected by it and how she viewed it in that regard was a novel and unique approach for me.
My main concern, however, lies in what exactly was the eventual result of said choices Sophie had to face. I am glad she recognized her own value in herself - that she was capable of making new friends - friends that she could trust and be herself, without the added pressure of living up to others expectations. That, to me, was effectively addressed. What I struggled with was the handling of how crossing the line can have adverse reactions and how one should approach it.
For just as much - I think it is important for books to be written for young boys to know that what they are doing and how they are behaving - constitutes as sexual harassment.
I know that it is not the point of Sophie's dilemma - I know that. I understand it is important to educate young girls about deems as appropriate touching and what is without consent is not at all within the limits of the other. I respect and believe it is critical - especially in this day and age. But, to feel so conflicted upon concluding the read - that as much as the message is address - it still leaves me to believe that not everything was addressed entirely or enough to feel like its message was effectively delivered. 🙍🏻♀️ For, even when they eventually exacted their revenge on the so-called perpetrator, one that tied in with the social media pranks and all - I was not happy or satisfied with the outcome.
Yes, it is addressing the #MeToo movement, on a smaller scale - that children should not be feared into silence, simply to be accepted and fit in, at the cost of their own well-being. 'We maintained appearances at all times, no matter how much it hurt.' It is a respectful teaching, and a vital one. Yet, it still felt unfinished and unclear and not at all satisfying in having the person realize how detrimental his behavior was. Sure, the children's brief moment of victory succeeded in giving them the upper-hand of exacting justice for the pain and humiliation and undeserved anxiety and grief. I do get that. But, was that really the right way to go? 😕
“Unfortunately, the advent of social media has made it easy for situations that appear fun to slip into dangerous territory.”
Because in the end, we did not learn whether or not social media is used appropriately or not - because kids will continue to use it. The story seemed to be tackling two different objectives - social media and crossing the boundaries of what is appropriate behavior and what is not. 😥 But, I did not get that they understood either the limits and extent of what it means to be respectful and decent towards others 0r even what are the permissible ways to use social media accordingly. It is triggering to see how young girls can be taken advantage of, and it is painfully reminded that these moments have not stopped during the passage of time. We are reminded to be cautious on our own and to be mindful of how to behave to prevent the opportunity of being targeted.
But, no one bothers to address how we can talk to those who are doing it - the mindset of a young man or boy of how hurtful their comments and their actions are. Not once - in fact, the reasoning behind it - for this one - was chalked up to the parents' upbringing. That in itself is shifting the blame to be one that is passed down - that the root of the problem is inherited, thus, to be expected and for it ever to change - it must be dealt with as a whole.
I did not like that reasoning.
I did not like either the brief excerpts of certain characters having their own personal feelings and emotions shared to get a little insight to what they are thinking. True, it was the only way for the readers to know what they were feeling, but I did not feel that it served any purpose except to show how saddening it is that times have not changed, and that certain people don't quite know how to react in such situations.
Because on one hand it is showcasing social media as the root of the problem, when in fact, it runs much deeper than that. And if we don't make an effort to talk to those who are the ones who are continuing to harass others and make inappropriate comments, then how can we expect them to change? 😟 Simply punishing them for a brief moment of feeling good about the humiliation - is it enough to hope that it won't happen again? Or is one act enough to ensure that the next time around they will be stronger and have enough strength and courage to not fall victim to it...
“My web of friends is always changing, and always will be, but I think I’m starting to figure out how to attract the right ones: by being myself.”
I apologize that it became more of a preachy review. I agree that it covered other important topics, too, at how friendship can change and that even by being yourself, you will be fortunate enough to meet those who appreciate you for who you are. It was just difficult to connect with the characters, despite knowing how important it is to shed light on it. If a story like this, though, can teach young girls to be more careful and supportive of others, if it perhaps can teach young boys how not to treat their classmates, then maybe, it did serve its purpose. But, apart from that, it left me a lot more conflicted than what I would have expected, so that does make for a rather unsatisfying read. 😔
“We only know a tiny proportion about the complexity of the natural world. Wherever you look, there are still things we don’t know about and don’t understand.…
There are always new things to find out if you go looking for them.”
Melanie Conklin's latest middle grade novel tackles peer pressure, the shift in friendships, the harmful effects of social media, and what are the limits of crossing the line between what is appropriate and what is not.
And twelve-year-old Sophie does have a lot on her mind and her heart that she is literally and viscerally being Crushed by. Panic attacks and the inner fear that her best friend, Eve no longer considers her one - when she has always been there by her side, is a hard thing to process and stomach. But, what matters is to be a friend, regardless - of those issues. 🫂 And Sophie rose to that conflict - I admired her resilience and courage, despite the panic attacks that she would struggle through - she never really lost heart. Nowadays, I have noticed a lot of middle grade reads having their characters embrace therapy, proving that it is a resounding positive effect on their lives - a helpful one for them to talk through their issues.
“If you think about it, the whole concept of going viral is terrifying. I mean, it’s not a good thing to catch a virus. Viruses can kill people.”
It was an interesting take on the pandemic, as well - to incorporate the similarities of the no-touching rule and how a virus can have as harmful effects as that of a video going viral - for the wrong reasons. It is both unpleasant and an unsavory feeling that lingers even when you feel that the effects are no longer there - a shadow of what has plagued you for so long. 😞 Seeing how deeply Sophie was affected by it and how she viewed it in that regard was a novel and unique approach for me.
My main concern, however, lies in what exactly was the eventual result of said choices Sophie had to face. I am glad she recognized her own value in herself - that she was capable of making new friends - friends that she could trust and be herself, without the added pressure of living up to others expectations. That, to me, was effectively addressed. What I struggled with was the handling of how crossing the line can have adverse reactions and how one should approach it.
For just as much - I think it is important for books to be written for young boys to know that what they are doing and how they are behaving - constitutes as sexual harassment.
I know that it is not the point of Sophie's dilemma - I know that. I understand it is important to educate young girls about deems as appropriate touching and what is without consent is not at all within the limits of the other. I respect and believe it is critical - especially in this day and age. But, to feel so conflicted upon concluding the read - that as much as the message is address - it still leaves me to believe that not everything was addressed entirely or enough to feel like its message was effectively delivered. 🙍🏻♀️ For, even when they eventually exacted their revenge on the so-called perpetrator, one that tied in with the social media pranks and all - I was not happy or satisfied with the outcome.
Yes, it is addressing the #MeToo movement, on a smaller scale - that children should not be feared into silence, simply to be accepted and fit in, at the cost of their own well-being. 'We maintained appearances at all times, no matter how much it hurt.' It is a respectful teaching, and a vital one. Yet, it still felt unfinished and unclear and not at all satisfying in having the person realize how detrimental his behavior was. Sure, the children's brief moment of victory succeeded in giving them the upper-hand of exacting justice for the pain and humiliation and undeserved anxiety and grief. I do get that. But, was that really the right way to go? 😕
“Unfortunately, the advent of social media has made it easy for situations that appear fun to slip into dangerous territory.”
Because in the end, we did not learn whether or not social media is used appropriately or not - because kids will continue to use it. The story seemed to be tackling two different objectives - social media and crossing the boundaries of what is appropriate behavior and what is not. 😥 But, I did not get that they understood either the limits and extent of what it means to be respectful and decent towards others 0r even what are the permissible ways to use social media accordingly. It is triggering to see how young girls can be taken advantage of, and it is painfully reminded that these moments have not stopped during the passage of time. We are reminded to be cautious on our own and to be mindful of how to behave to prevent the opportunity of being targeted.
But, no one bothers to address how we can talk to those who are doing it - the mindset of a young man or boy of how hurtful their comments and their actions are. Not once - in fact, the reasoning behind it - for this one - was chalked up to the parents' upbringing. That in itself is shifting the blame to be one that is passed down - that the root of the problem is inherited, thus, to be expected and for it ever to change - it must be dealt with as a whole.
I did not like that reasoning.
I did not like either the brief excerpts of certain characters having their own personal feelings and emotions shared to get a little insight to what they are thinking. True, it was the only way for the readers to know what they were feeling, but I did not feel that it served any purpose except to show how saddening it is that times have not changed, and that certain people don't quite know how to react in such situations.
Because on one hand it is showcasing social media as the root of the problem, when in fact, it runs much deeper than that. And if we don't make an effort to talk to those who are the ones who are continuing to harass others and make inappropriate comments, then how can we expect them to change? 😟 Simply punishing them for a brief moment of feeling good about the humiliation - is it enough to hope that it won't happen again? Or is one act enough to ensure that the next time around they will be stronger and have enough strength and courage to not fall victim to it...
“My web of friends is always changing, and always will be, but I think I’m starting to figure out how to attract the right ones: by being myself.”
I apologize that it became more of a preachy review. I agree that it covered other important topics, too, at how friendship can change and that even by being yourself, you will be fortunate enough to meet those who appreciate you for who you are. It was just difficult to connect with the characters, despite knowing how important it is to shed light on it. If a story like this, though, can teach young girls to be more careful and supportive of others, if it perhaps can teach young boys how not to treat their classmates, then maybe, it did serve its purpose. But, apart from that, it left me a lot more conflicted than what I would have expected, so that does make for a rather unsatisfying read. 😔
June 17, 2024
A very timely book about growing up in the age of constant social media. For people that suffer from anxiety, like the young protagonist, pressure caused by intense scrutiny can be overwhelming. Luckily, she has a supportive family, and the encouragement from a new friend, to help her through some very rough spots in middle school.
(I have to say, I don’t think I would have survived my school years, had social media been around in those days!)
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
(I have to say, I don’t think I would have survived my school years, had social media been around in those days!)
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
May 20, 2024
Who hasn’t felt “crushed” at one time or another? For Sophie, feeling crushed means crowds, changing friendships, unwelcome contact with a boy who gets too up close and personal, the fall out from misused dares shared on social media and panic attacks she does not know how to stop. Melanie Conklin (Every Missing Piece, A Perfect Mistake) tackles so many very real battles being faced by young people every day and in each situation and models ways to find help-a therapist, a grandmother, new friends, parents, a caring school nurse. The book moves quickly and its realistic plot and strong characterization should keep readers engaged while they, hopefully, see some wisdom they can use in their own lives. Representation: Race of main characters is unclear, but two players in the story select they/them pronouns or use ones different than those assigned at birth. Important issues tackled in this one targeted at grades 5-8.
March 17, 2024
I’m so happy I waited for the weekend to read this one because I got to spend a good chunk of Saturday with this story. Melanie Conklin’s words flow beautifully in a way that keeps you turning the pages. Once I start reading one of her stories, I don’t want to step away from the characters and their experiences. The topics she writes about and the way she writes them will help readers young and old make sense of the world. Her words also hold onto hope and continuously inspire better.
This book in particular examines friendship struggles, anxiety, inappropriate touch and comments, social media pitfalls, and more… in an intriguing, satisfying and important way. This book will both entertain and be of great help to many readers. As with other books I’ve read by this author, it is incredibly well done and creates a space for rich discussions as well as for mindfulness regarding others and our actions and words.
July 21, 2024
Wow. A compulsive read that depicts current middle school issues but also timeless ones like changing friendships so well! I couldn’t put it down, felt for Sophie at all times and found all the characters so human and so relatable. Several hard topics are addressed but in a kid-friendly way, and I loved the anxiety representation.
November 15, 2024
This was an interesting book full of complex topics. Consent, anxiety, risky behaviour for social media, it's all here. I actually really liked the forensic topics as well, as Sophie mimics being a detetice to figure out what happened to her friend. It was a good book for middle schoolers.
June 23, 2024
A must-read for middle schoolers! It helps them know they are not alone in dealing with friends, boundaries, social media, and more. Plus, it encourages them to advocate for themselves.
September 4, 2025
I enjoyed reading with my tween who is feeling a lot of the same big feelings as the main character.
October 20, 2024
This is a middle grade story that takes on a lot of things, and yet it all works, somehow. Sophie’s best friend has tried to either commit suicide or do some sort of self-harm to herself, and was out of school for six weeks. She told everyone, but Sophie that she had mono. But Sophie knows, and has to keep it to herself.
And when Eve, her friend returns, she wants nothing to do with Sophie. Sophie can’t figure out why she is now spending time with the “dare” kids, called the “Crash Crew” who like to do dares for social media.
At first the story looks like those typical middle grade stories of kids falling out, as they grow and change, but actually this is more. This is how social media can mess up your life. We also get to see Sophie go to therapy, where she learns of ways to cope. And we get to meet other kids in her orbit, including those in the Gay Straight Alliance.
I liked how we got to see Sophie realize what was going on, and how she can solve the problem of Eve, as well as make new friends. Adding the social media adds and added twist to solve the mystery of who has been harassing Eve online.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will come out on July 16th 2024.
And when Eve, her friend returns, she wants nothing to do with Sophie. Sophie can’t figure out why she is now spending time with the “dare” kids, called the “Crash Crew” who like to do dares for social media.
At first the story looks like those typical middle grade stories of kids falling out, as they grow and change, but actually this is more. This is how social media can mess up your life. We also get to see Sophie go to therapy, where she learns of ways to cope. And we get to meet other kids in her orbit, including those in the Gay Straight Alliance.
I liked how we got to see Sophie realize what was going on, and how she can solve the problem of Eve, as well as make new friends. Adding the social media adds and added twist to solve the mystery of who has been harassing Eve online.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will come out on July 16th 2024.
March 19, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Sophie Valentine lives in New York City, where her father and grandmother run a book store and her mother is a doctor. She and her best friend, Eve, attend MS477, a magnet school, but Eve has been absent since Thanksgiving without much of an explanation, only that she may have tried to hurt herself. Coming back after winter break is difficult, especially when Eve doesn't meet her at their usual spot. Eve has spent a lot of time with the "Crash Crew", a group of students who do ill advised YouTube challenges, and Sophie suspects that this, along with her crush on the obnoxious Chaz, had something to do with her absence. When Sophie has a panic attack in the hallway, one of the Crew posts it to social media, and she is mortified. She's had panic attacks before, but doesn't want to tell anyone. Away from school, there is some stress as the bookstore needs some renovations that are hard to afford on the heels of the pandemic. One of the fire code violations that needs to be addressed is changing the "wall of love" where people can leave notes; it's because of this wall that Sophie's grandparents met, so her grandmother is very protective of it. When Sophie sees Eve participating in other challenges, like climbing milk cartons behind a store, she alerts the school when Eve gets hurt, and Eve is furious. This further strains their relationship, although Sophie does find an ally in Stewart, a girl in her gym class who used to be part of the Crew but now thinks they are jerks. She is very helpful to Sophie when she has a panic attack. Sophie's class is doing a mock murder investigation, and Sophie starts using the techniques from class to try to figure out what is going on with Eve. There turns out to be a lot, and when a lot of harassment is uncovered, Eve finally has to go to her mother and gradnmother for advice. Will she and some of the other girls who are tired of the boorish behavior of Chaz and the Crew be able to change the school culture?
Strengths: Conklin has a trigger warning for harassment and self harm at the beginning, which is helpful. Like Dee's Maybe He Just Likes You, this is an interesting look at how middle school students try to deal with their own problems, and are often unable to do so without some help. Sophie's panic attacks, which started during the pandemic, are realistically portrayed, and are something that we see more and more in schools. The fact that Eve and Sophie's individual problems are causing rifts in their friendship is true to life, but it was good to see Sophie make a new friend in Stewart. The bookstore was delightful, and Gram was a well developed character. She was a good mix of not wanting to change (she takes years to clean out the closet of her deceased husband) and being able to help Sophie navigate current issues. The mother is also a good character, and I love the matter of fact way she deals with Sophie's problems. Young readers will relate to the Crash Crew, and hopefully be appalled at the amount of damages caused by YouTube stunts in the school. Only time will tell whether or not these stunts will ever seem dated.
Weaknesses: There seems to be a cultural shift in the way girls are taught to deal with harassment that I just can't figure out. My mother, born in 1934, taught me to never put up with any nonsense, and there was a lot of it. (Just watch the television show from 1978, On Our Own, for a good lesson in casual, daily sexual harassment, complete with inappropriate jokes.) I passed this on to my own daughters. Since today's mothers were raised when there was less of this, do today's girls not get this lesson delivered as often as it once was? Or is it the effects of social media that are making this (and everything) worse?
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed New York City based problem novels like Mackler's Not If I Can Help It or Stead's Goodbye, Stranger.
Sophie Valentine lives in New York City, where her father and grandmother run a book store and her mother is a doctor. She and her best friend, Eve, attend MS477, a magnet school, but Eve has been absent since Thanksgiving without much of an explanation, only that she may have tried to hurt herself. Coming back after winter break is difficult, especially when Eve doesn't meet her at their usual spot. Eve has spent a lot of time with the "Crash Crew", a group of students who do ill advised YouTube challenges, and Sophie suspects that this, along with her crush on the obnoxious Chaz, had something to do with her absence. When Sophie has a panic attack in the hallway, one of the Crew posts it to social media, and she is mortified. She's had panic attacks before, but doesn't want to tell anyone. Away from school, there is some stress as the bookstore needs some renovations that are hard to afford on the heels of the pandemic. One of the fire code violations that needs to be addressed is changing the "wall of love" where people can leave notes; it's because of this wall that Sophie's grandparents met, so her grandmother is very protective of it. When Sophie sees Eve participating in other challenges, like climbing milk cartons behind a store, she alerts the school when Eve gets hurt, and Eve is furious. This further strains their relationship, although Sophie does find an ally in Stewart, a girl in her gym class who used to be part of the Crew but now thinks they are jerks. She is very helpful to Sophie when she has a panic attack. Sophie's class is doing a mock murder investigation, and Sophie starts using the techniques from class to try to figure out what is going on with Eve. There turns out to be a lot, and when a lot of harassment is uncovered, Eve finally has to go to her mother and gradnmother for advice. Will she and some of the other girls who are tired of the boorish behavior of Chaz and the Crew be able to change the school culture?
Strengths: Conklin has a trigger warning for harassment and self harm at the beginning, which is helpful. Like Dee's Maybe He Just Likes You, this is an interesting look at how middle school students try to deal with their own problems, and are often unable to do so without some help. Sophie's panic attacks, which started during the pandemic, are realistically portrayed, and are something that we see more and more in schools. The fact that Eve and Sophie's individual problems are causing rifts in their friendship is true to life, but it was good to see Sophie make a new friend in Stewart. The bookstore was delightful, and Gram was a well developed character. She was a good mix of not wanting to change (she takes years to clean out the closet of her deceased husband) and being able to help Sophie navigate current issues. The mother is also a good character, and I love the matter of fact way she deals with Sophie's problems. Young readers will relate to the Crash Crew, and hopefully be appalled at the amount of damages caused by YouTube stunts in the school. Only time will tell whether or not these stunts will ever seem dated.
Weaknesses: There seems to be a cultural shift in the way girls are taught to deal with harassment that I just can't figure out. My mother, born in 1934, taught me to never put up with any nonsense, and there was a lot of it. (Just watch the television show from 1978, On Our Own, for a good lesson in casual, daily sexual harassment, complete with inappropriate jokes.) I passed this on to my own daughters. Since today's mothers were raised when there was less of this, do today's girls not get this lesson delivered as often as it once was? Or is it the effects of social media that are making this (and everything) worse?
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed New York City based problem novels like Mackler's Not If I Can Help It or Stead's Goodbye, Stranger.
January 5, 2025
I used to be a substitute teacher, so I’ve been in quite a few classrooms in my life. As I read this book, I felt the author hit the nail on the head on a variety of topics. It’s typical for kids to have friends and then, days or hours later, that friendship is not as strong as it once was or that friendship might even be gone. Kids also like to try to handle things on their own even issues that they’ve been encouraged to report or seek help. For some youths, it’s difficult for some of them to open-up. They don’t want to be seen as weak and/or they don’t want anyone to know that they have issues.
For the past few months, Sophie and Eve were best friends, or that is what Sophie thought. Sophie hasn’t been to school in about a month and Eve doesn’t know the reason why. When Sophie returns, her relationship with Eve has changed. Eve has moved on to other friends, which aren’t the type of individuals that she should be hanging out with. When Eve and her “friends” get reckless, Sophie takes matters into her own hands. Should she just leave Eve and her friends alone and move on? I realize that Sophie still cared for Eve, but I just didn’t understand why Sophie kept so much of her life underwraps. What was she hiding?
As we look into Sophie’s life, we discover that her mother is a doctor, and her grandmother and father own a bookstore. Sophie has a secret illness; she has panic attacks. When she has one of her panic attacks at school, it’s one of Eve’s new friends who records it and posts it on social media. You can just imagine Sophie’s reaction. The family’s bookstore is facing difficulties, and it’s bound to get worse before it gets better. I was glad that Sophie had her grandmother and mother in her life as I felt she had great relationships with them, and she was able to share some of her life with her. Still, Sophie needed someone her age, someone she could relate to and could understand her.
Sophie needed a confidant, someone that she could trust and be friends with. Eve needed to find a place to land, a place where she would feel comfortable. What these two “friends” had before is not going to work moving forward. 4 stars
For the past few months, Sophie and Eve were best friends, or that is what Sophie thought. Sophie hasn’t been to school in about a month and Eve doesn’t know the reason why. When Sophie returns, her relationship with Eve has changed. Eve has moved on to other friends, which aren’t the type of individuals that she should be hanging out with. When Eve and her “friends” get reckless, Sophie takes matters into her own hands. Should she just leave Eve and her friends alone and move on? I realize that Sophie still cared for Eve, but I just didn’t understand why Sophie kept so much of her life underwraps. What was she hiding?
As we look into Sophie’s life, we discover that her mother is a doctor, and her grandmother and father own a bookstore. Sophie has a secret illness; she has panic attacks. When she has one of her panic attacks at school, it’s one of Eve’s new friends who records it and posts it on social media. You can just imagine Sophie’s reaction. The family’s bookstore is facing difficulties, and it’s bound to get worse before it gets better. I was glad that Sophie had her grandmother and mother in her life as I felt she had great relationships with them, and she was able to share some of her life with her. Still, Sophie needed someone her age, someone she could relate to and could understand her.
Sophie needed a confidant, someone that she could trust and be friends with. Eve needed to find a place to land, a place where she would feel comfortable. What these two “friends” had before is not going to work moving forward. 4 stars
July 20, 2024
Poignant tale of growing up and growing apart.
Crushed is a new middle-grade novel about growing up and growing apart from a childhood friendship. Sophie Valentine weathers bewilderment and heartbreak as her best friend, Eve, inexplicably drifts away from their friendship toward another group of classmates.
Sophie is the twelve-year-old main character whose best friend suddenly takes up with a more popular and outgoing group of kids known for issuing dares to each other and filming the results to post on their social media accounts. She is understandably confused because she feels she’s been the best of friends to Eve, especially over the past months, keeping all her most dire secrets secret and to herself. Young readers are certain to relate to Sophie’s feelings and Eve’s as well when she finally reveals her truths later in the story. Sophie models several different feelings and common relationship woes where readers will find common ground, including dealing with pesky younger siblings, bullying, inappropriate touching, and sexual harassment at school. She also has the usual type of relationships with the adult loved ones in her life and faces the dilemma of when it is okay to break a confidence for someone’s best interest. School issues and friendship changes are accompanied by challenges at home. The family bookstore, still recuperating from the financial damages of being shut down during the COVID pandemic, gets a visit from the local fire inspector and must make some changes to meet code requirements for life safety issues. Sophie’s grandmother, who met her husband at the bookstore and worked side by side with him there until his death, has a hard time emotionally dealing with the necessary changes and how they will affect her memories of their past life. The entire family must come together to find solutions to stay in business and retain their traditions.With its engaging, down-to-earth characters and the relatable problems of friendship and growing up under the scrutiny of social media, I recommend CRUSHED to middle-grade readers and older.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.
July 19, 2024
I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via NetGalley.
Being in the 6th grade can be incredibly difficult, and this is true for Sophie Valentine. She and her best friend Eve, attend MS477, a magnet school. However, Eve has been absent since Thanksgiving with little explanation, only that she tried to hurt herself. Coming back from winter break is hard, especially when Eve doesn’t meet Sophie at their usual spot. Eve has been spending a lot of time with the a group of kids known as the “Crash Crew,” who do risky YouTube stunts. The more Sophie learns, the more she starts to suspect that the group and especially Chaz, may have had something to do with Eve’s absence. We follow Sophie as she navigates her strained relationship with Eve, and her mental health. Mainly, her anxiety and panic attacks.
Melanie Conklin perfectly tells the story of what it can feel like to be crushed. Because let’s face it, we’ve all felt that way at one time or another. She tackles real battles that young people face everyday. The book moves rather quickly with its realistic plot and strong characterisation should keep readers engaged and the pages turning.
Overall, this is a wonderful book. One that should be read by any young person experiencing struggles with friends or mental health.
Thank you, NetGalley and Melanie Conklin for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
Being in the 6th grade can be incredibly difficult, and this is true for Sophie Valentine. She and her best friend Eve, attend MS477, a magnet school. However, Eve has been absent since Thanksgiving with little explanation, only that she tried to hurt herself. Coming back from winter break is hard, especially when Eve doesn’t meet Sophie at their usual spot. Eve has been spending a lot of time with the a group of kids known as the “Crash Crew,” who do risky YouTube stunts. The more Sophie learns, the more she starts to suspect that the group and especially Chaz, may have had something to do with Eve’s absence. We follow Sophie as she navigates her strained relationship with Eve, and her mental health. Mainly, her anxiety and panic attacks.
Melanie Conklin perfectly tells the story of what it can feel like to be crushed. Because let’s face it, we’ve all felt that way at one time or another. She tackles real battles that young people face everyday. The book moves rather quickly with its realistic plot and strong characterisation should keep readers engaged and the pages turning.
Overall, this is a wonderful book. One that should be read by any young person experiencing struggles with friends or mental health.
Thank you, NetGalley and Melanie Conklin for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
July 20, 2024
As someone who volunteered at countless middle school book fairs and was on the author visit committee for years, please hear me when I say this is the kind of contemporary fiction book many, many kids ages 8-12 want and share with their friends.
CRUSHED realistically gets into the heads of middle schoolers who navigate so many changes at once.
(OMG middle school can be TOUGH, right?)
This book will make so many kids and adults feel seen and feel better equipped to stand up for themselves and others.
It’s a story about growing pains between best friends, while gently, clearly and (in age-appropriate ways) weaving in topics like:
- Consent (digital and physical)
- Social media “challenges”
- Rumors
- Peer pressure
- Consequences
- Navigating middle school social structures
- Firsts! (dance, crush, new friend)
- Empathy
- Mental health
- Trusting your gut and when to trust other people (peers and adults)
There’s also a real mystery unraveling as the students learn forensic skills in class, adding an undercurrent that keeps the reader turning the page, trying to figure it out along with the characters.
I felt the influence of a less-dramatic, younger Mean Girls (the new one) in the storytelling, making it engaging, relatable and you come out of it thinking about everyone’s choices (windows & mirrors!).
Vibes like WONDER, but addressing social media and #metoo for this age group.
I’m so glad this book exists, and hope it finds its way into many, many readers’ hands.
CRUSHED realistically gets into the heads of middle schoolers who navigate so many changes at once.
(OMG middle school can be TOUGH, right?)
This book will make so many kids and adults feel seen and feel better equipped to stand up for themselves and others.
It’s a story about growing pains between best friends, while gently, clearly and (in age-appropriate ways) weaving in topics like:
- Consent (digital and physical)
- Social media “challenges”
- Rumors
- Peer pressure
- Consequences
- Navigating middle school social structures
- Firsts! (dance, crush, new friend)
- Empathy
- Mental health
- Trusting your gut and when to trust other people (peers and adults)
There’s also a real mystery unraveling as the students learn forensic skills in class, adding an undercurrent that keeps the reader turning the page, trying to figure it out along with the characters.
I felt the influence of a less-dramatic, younger Mean Girls (the new one) in the storytelling, making it engaging, relatable and you come out of it thinking about everyone’s choices (windows & mirrors!).
Vibes like WONDER, but addressing social media and #metoo for this age group.
I’m so glad this book exists, and hope it finds its way into many, many readers’ hands.
July 16, 2024
This middle-grade speaks of bullying in a way that is a fine line before crossing into crime and illegal. The students act as a group of kids who are just daring each other to do stuff, so they can post viral videos online, but some of them are mean and creepy, they damage property, do vandalism, and steal. They pressure and abuse each other, offend, and create an environment that may lead to self-harm. These are very relatable themes nowadays that make peer pressure worse when associated with social media. At the same time, we follow Sophie, who is dealing with change and making new friends instead.
I love that the author introduces short chapters with the thoughts of extra characters. We also have a great insight into what it is like to go to therapy and how positive it can be in helping to cope with people and what we can't control. There is a very subtle lesson showing that kids are mostly mirrors of their parent's behavior and beliefs (which is not always true but can be).
Sophie is also studying forensics and she uses the knowledge to discover who had harassed her best friend and other girls.
We usually don't see many middle grades about sexual harassment, but this book uses the theme in a very educational way, bringing the opinions of different generations and mentioning the importance of not being quiet. The need for good changes in our society.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the copy.
I love that the author introduces short chapters with the thoughts of extra characters. We also have a great insight into what it is like to go to therapy and how positive it can be in helping to cope with people and what we can't control. There is a very subtle lesson showing that kids are mostly mirrors of their parent's behavior and beliefs (which is not always true but can be).
Sophie is also studying forensics and she uses the knowledge to discover who had harassed her best friend and other girls.
We usually don't see many middle grades about sexual harassment, but this book uses the theme in a very educational way, bringing the opinions of different generations and mentioning the importance of not being quiet. The need for good changes in our society.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the copy.
November 3, 2024
This book is an amazing middle grade book that tackles some very difficult topics including post pandemic anxiety, bullying, and sexual harassment all while talking about kids who are living in an age of social media where peer pressure is even higher. There are a lot of difficult topics happening throughout the book but the book still has positivity woven throughout because it is also about friendships and courage. I just love how the author dealt with all of these topics for a middle grade book. This just goes to show that middle grade books can have a lot of impact and should be read by the targeted audience but also an older audience too.
Something else I thought was a good addition was the fact that Sophie is taking a forensics class and what she is learning there is woven throughout the book, including witness statements from other characters because this book also contains a bit of a mystery! I loved that 90% of the book was told from Sophie's POV but we got those random "witness statements" to help us understand the side characters a bit more and get their motivation for their actions as well as clues to the mystery.
Overall a fantastic middle grade read that I highly recommend checking out!
Content warning: post pandemic, anxiety/panic attacks, sexual harassment, bullying
Something else I thought was a good addition was the fact that Sophie is taking a forensics class and what she is learning there is woven throughout the book, including witness statements from other characters because this book also contains a bit of a mystery! I loved that 90% of the book was told from Sophie's POV but we got those random "witness statements" to help us understand the side characters a bit more and get their motivation for their actions as well as clues to the mystery.
Overall a fantastic middle grade read that I highly recommend checking out!
Content warning: post pandemic, anxiety/panic attacks, sexual harassment, bullying
June 24, 2024
One of the best middle grade/young adult books I have ever read. Oh the simple truth, multiple voices sharing their personal experiences but NOT NORMALIZING the harassment? Yes. More of THIS! Friendships change. Boundaries become a thing. Growing spurts. Personality development. And ALL THE AWKWARD.
I loathe middle school - as a child, as a mother, I wish I could just fast forward. Survival is daily effort. Hormones. Friendships. Adjusting to a different school. Just all around no thank you.
Sophie and Eve have been friends forever. Eve wants something different - something Sophie cannot even understand. Why does it feel their friendship has ended? Something happened to Eve right around Thanksgiving - but she doesn't confide in Sophie. After an attempt at self-harm, Eve receives inpatient care. Her return to school secures her place in the Crash Crew - not her friendship with Sophie. What did Sophie do wrong? How will Sophie survive this loss?
Again so well done - family dynamics, parent involvement, school, anxiety. all over stress.
I loathe middle school - as a child, as a mother, I wish I could just fast forward. Survival is daily effort. Hormones. Friendships. Adjusting to a different school. Just all around no thank you.
Sophie and Eve have been friends forever. Eve wants something different - something Sophie cannot even understand. Why does it feel their friendship has ended? Something happened to Eve right around Thanksgiving - but she doesn't confide in Sophie. After an attempt at self-harm, Eve receives inpatient care. Her return to school secures her place in the Crash Crew - not her friendship with Sophie. What did Sophie do wrong? How will Sophie survive this loss?
Again so well done - family dynamics, parent involvement, school, anxiety. all over stress.
July 5, 2024
Crushed is absolutely fantastic. This book brought me back to my middle school years and I hope this book ends up in the hands of so many middle schoolers. I genuinely believe it could provide comfort during the growing pains of growing up and make a big difference in their lives.
Anxiety and panic attacks are discussed in a way that I wish I could have read about when I was younger. Not only are difficult topics handled with care, but there are scientific explanations about anxiety and healthy coping mechanisms are included that could be used by readers, if need be.
This book handles friendship struggles, social media, boundaries, consent, and so many things that make middle school so difficult. Even the way that family dynamics, loss, and parental support is included was beautiful.
I will absolutely be reading Melanie’s backlog of novels and will look forward to what comes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Anxiety and panic attacks are discussed in a way that I wish I could have read about when I was younger. Not only are difficult topics handled with care, but there are scientific explanations about anxiety and healthy coping mechanisms are included that could be used by readers, if need be.
This book handles friendship struggles, social media, boundaries, consent, and so many things that make middle school so difficult. Even the way that family dynamics, loss, and parental support is included was beautiful.
I will absolutely be reading Melanie’s backlog of novels and will look forward to what comes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This story follows a girl who has a lot of anxiety and starts having best friend troubles. Sophie is very relatable and the author does a wonderful job of describing what Sophie’s anxiety feels like and looks like on the outside. The therapist she ends up seeing gives a lot of strategies and wise words to Sophie. Because Sophie was willing to put in the work to improve, therapy is very successful for her. Others with anxiety issues or friend problems would benefit from reading this book. The changes in Sophie and her friend Eve are realistic and appropriate. There is a social media aspect to this story that is very important to discuss with kids as they head to middle school. It is social media that causes the main problem between characters. I kind of wish that had been made a little stronger in the book, but it is also effective in its simplicity if you are willing to think about it and learn something from Eve’s experience.
This story follows a girl who has a lot of anxiety and starts having best friend troubles. Sophie is very relatable and the author does a wonderful job of describing what Sophie’s anxiety feels like and looks like on the outside. The therapist she ends up seeing gives a lot of strategies and wise words to Sophie. Because Sophie was willing to put in the work to improve, therapy is very successful for her. Others with anxiety issues or friend problems would benefit from reading this book. The changes in Sophie and her friend Eve are realistic and appropriate. There is a social media aspect to this story that is very important to discuss with kids as they head to middle school. It is social media that causes the main problem between characters. I kind of wish that had been made a little stronger in the book, but it is also effective in its simplicity if you are willing to think about it and learn something from Eve’s experience.
September 13, 2024
ARC provided by NetGalley.
Eve and Sophie have been best friends for years, but when Eve returns to school after a six-week absence, their relationship starts to shift as Eve becomes involved with the Crash Crew. Sophie, who is battling "the Shakes," is determined to find out why Eve was gone and what’s drawing her to this reckless group.
The Crash Crew is notorious for their wild challenges, captured through videos and photos, with stunts ranging from harmless marshmallow games to planking around town. With recent changes to the crew's lineup, Sophie becomes more invested in discovering the truth behind Eve’s absence and the crew’s influence.
Melanie Conklin expertly navigates themes of social media dares, friendship, and the impact of photo sharing. The alternating perspectives from Eve, Sophie, and other characters provide a deeper layer to the plot. Highly recommended for middle school readers.
Eve and Sophie have been best friends for years, but when Eve returns to school after a six-week absence, their relationship starts to shift as Eve becomes involved with the Crash Crew. Sophie, who is battling "the Shakes," is determined to find out why Eve was gone and what’s drawing her to this reckless group.
The Crash Crew is notorious for their wild challenges, captured through videos and photos, with stunts ranging from harmless marshmallow games to planking around town. With recent changes to the crew's lineup, Sophie becomes more invested in discovering the truth behind Eve’s absence and the crew’s influence.
Melanie Conklin expertly navigates themes of social media dares, friendship, and the impact of photo sharing. The alternating perspectives from Eve, Sophie, and other characters provide a deeper layer to the plot. Highly recommended for middle school readers.
November 28, 2025
phie's best friend, Eve, is finally returning to school after a lengthy absence; one in which she has been very hesitant to share reasons why. Sophie is excited to have her friend back and is devastated when Eve doesn't meet her at the designated spot and instead is hanging with the Crash Crew, whose main mission is to challenge each other to outrageous dares. Sophie tries to follow her friend into the group, and realizes they don't hold the same values as she does and feels very uncomfortable around them which causes her to be even more concerned for her friend.
Conklin again delivers a deep, honest look at situations and feelings kids have. I always enjoy the perspectives her books bring to hard topics kids are really dealing with. This book is appropriate for upper elementary and middle school libraries. It contains topics of friendship, anxiety, bullying, and sexual harassment.
Conklin again delivers a deep, honest look at situations and feelings kids have. I always enjoy the perspectives her books bring to hard topics kids are really dealing with. This book is appropriate for upper elementary and middle school libraries. It contains topics of friendship, anxiety, bullying, and sexual harassment.
July 4, 2024
Written like a murder mystery, but the evidence gathered leads to an understanding of who took the photo that caused Sophie's friend Eve to harm herself. Sophie has missed her friend since she harmed herself and is distressed when Eve returns to school, but seems to have changed in her friendship with Sophie. Eve is hanging out with the Crash Crew, which seems like bad news to Sophie, but when Sophie tries to intervene, Eve doesn't appreciate her efforts. Meanwhile, Sophie herself is dealing with panic attacks stemming from being with people again after the pandemic lockdown. Eve likes to try new things while Sophie likes to revel in the comfort of the familiar. Can the two of them still be friends? This book is about the pains of growing and changing and the pains of navigating middle school.
July 16, 2024
Sophie is trying to navigate a world in which her best friend returns to school after a long absence and everything has changed. All of the sudden, Eva wants to hang out with the ultra-cool "Crash Crew" and, even worse, Sophie discovers her bff is keeping a secret from her. Not just any secret––the painful truth about why she left school in the first place. Sophie has to try to make sense of the new social hierarchy and try to uncover what is really going on. Luckily, their class is doing a unit on forensic investigation, so she's getting good at piecing together clues––hopefully she can figure things out before the situation gets even worse. This is a realistic, heartfelt novel about a girl trying to navigate the complicated––and sometimes toxic––middle school experience that will resonate with middle grade readers. I especially love how the author wove forensic science into the story!
September 1, 2024
A possibly-rosy-tinted look at middle school bullying and sexual harassment. The emphasis on mental health and the strategies Sophie learns with her therapist were well portrayed and helpful to readers who might need them. I loved that the grown-ups were shown warts and all, but without making them antagonistic, including the principal being more concerned with punishing than being a safe person to come to, and Gram's anger, old fashioned ideas, and resistance to change. Overall, the plot didn't feel preachy or contrived, but reading as an adult I wonder what an actual middle schooler would think. It felt strange that the author's note seemed to speak more to caring adults than to the teens and tweens who are the book's primary audience.
September 23, 2024
Conklin confronts social media use and the connection to mental health when it is abused. She also shares mental health care in general as the main character, Sophie, suffers from panic attacks when stressed. Her mom insists on getting her help though we see the generational difference when the grandmother disagrees. Sophie is trying to figure out how she fits in and how she wants to interact with classmates. I appreciate the forensic unit in science unfolding throughout the book. We also see short asides (witness statements) from various characters that provide more information.
Conklin packs a lot of issues in this book but they blend well. She offers encouragement to speak up and to support each other when harassment happens.
Conklin packs a lot of issues in this book but they blend well. She offers encouragement to speak up and to support each other when harassment happens.
June 18, 2024
Being in 6th grade is just not fun for young women. I remember friends transitioning in middle school. But just like in dating, there are lots of fish in the sea and lots of new potential friends out there.
Crushed is a Children's Fiction book by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Sophie's family owns a bookstore, which adds to the charm of Crushed.
Crushed also touches on self-harm and anxiety.
Many thanks to NetGalley, author Melanie Conklin and publisher Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Crushed in exchange for an honest review. Approx 240 pages. Publication date is July 16, 2024
Crushed is a Children's Fiction book by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Sophie's family owns a bookstore, which adds to the charm of Crushed.
Crushed also touches on self-harm and anxiety.
Many thanks to NetGalley, author Melanie Conklin and publisher Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Crushed in exchange for an honest review. Approx 240 pages. Publication date is July 16, 2024
July 19, 2024
I wouldn’t say this story is suppose to be sad and melancholic but I think those who know exactly what these kids/humans go through it can come across very knowing. We’ve all felt crushed. Overwhelmed. On the verge of thinking there’s nothing to fix it. And as kids it can feel even worse, like you’re this tiny person in a sea of people who aren’t paying attention.
I think this book had a lot of wise information and showed that you can take many many outlets to have yourself heard. I really enjoyed it but also hope eventually kids won’t have to feel the ways that are described in here. Definitely recommend.
Thank you tbr and beyond tours & little brown young readers!
I think this book had a lot of wise information and showed that you can take many many outlets to have yourself heard. I really enjoyed it but also hope eventually kids won’t have to feel the ways that are described in here. Definitely recommend.
Thank you tbr and beyond tours & little brown young readers!
November 20, 2024
This is a timely, relatable novel about Sophie's struggles in middle school as she navigates changing friendships, peer pressure, anxiety, and trying to find her voice to speak up when she knows something isn't right. It's sure to be an excellent conversation-started about events that are a part of so many young readers' lives, and it includes important themes about social media, setting boundaries, and consent. After experiencing panic attacks, Sophie has a positive experience in therapy and is able to move on to find a new friend, and this beautifully-written story should be of huge help to kids as they navigate the challenges of middle school today.
June 4, 2024
This should be in the arsenal of every middle school counselor in America. It tackles BIG topics: bullying, anxiety, sexual harassment, and toxic social media habits. There's so much going on in Sophie's (our MC's) school life, that it almost seemed superfluous to pan the camera over to her home life too. Is this a book I'm going to read again? No, but it made me (an adult) feel less like my personal middle school experience was a horror story and more like a collective part of generations learning to survive. H.O.P.E. = Hold On, Pain Ends.
October 24, 2024
Wow, I really enjoyed the way this story was told. It was heart wrenching yet heartwarming at some points. It hit on some very important lessons for everyone. I loved the representation. And I felt for Sophie with how her friendship changed with Eve. I related to her so much and I’m so glad her story was told. I also love how justice was served for Eve, even if it wasn’t how I thought it would be served originally. Definitely worth the read and I’ll read anything this author writes in the future.
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