The Rivals

(Paperback)

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Description

Some schools have honor codes. Others have handbooks. Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Last year, Alex was date raped. Her elite boarding school, however, wouldn't do anything about it. This year, Alex is head of The Mockingbirds, an underground student-run justice system, a group meant to be there for the students in a way that the administration never is. A group meant to help those who need it most. This year's case is unlike any seen before: a prescription drug ring has sprung up and kids are using the drugs to cheat. Alex is desperate to do a good job, to help others in the way that the Mockingbirds helped her last year. But this isn't rape, or bullying, or hate speech. How do you try a case with no obvious victim As Alex struggles to navigate the murky waters of vigilante justice, she may find that though it may be Themis's only choice, it is never a good one. And she'll have to wander over the moral line before she can come back and fight for what is right.

Reviews

Praise for The Mockingbirds: "First-time author Whitney boldly addresses date rape, vigilantism, and academic politics in an intense and timely novel... Besides showing skill in executing suspense and drama, Whitney masterfully evokes the complexity of her protagonist's emotions, particularly her intense longing to feel 'normal' again."--Publishers Weekly (Starred review)
Praise for The Rivals: "Internal struggle and other students' hostility are portrayed with compassion and nuance. The story is ultimately driven by plot, and the author effectively shuttles readers through the twists, turns and double-crosses of the investigation as well as the ups and downs of a romance. "----Kirkus Reviews
"[Whitney] writes with smooth assurance and a propulsive rhythm as she follows Alex through the Mockingbird's trial process and its accompanying emotional storm of confusion, shame, fear, and finally, empowerment. Authentic and illuminating, this strong debut explores vital teen topics of sex and violence; crime and punishment; ineffectual authority; and the immeasurable, healing influence of friendship and love."--Booklist
"Extraordinary...Shocking and eye-opening, this book is hard to put down."--The Guardian
"In The Mockingbirds, Daisy Whitney has written an unflinchingly honest story about the importance of taking a stand and speaking out. An emotionally powerful debut that will leave readers breathless."--Courtney Summers, author of Cracked Up to Be
"Puts a compelling and ingenious twist on everything you think you know about sex, violence, victimhood, justice--and the true meaning of power."--Gayle Foreman, author of If I Stay
"Raw and riveting. Deserves a place of honor...alongside it's soul sister, Speak."--Justina Chen, author of North of Beautiful

Author Bio

Daisy Whitney is a new-media producer, a reporter, and an internationally known web show creator, and The Mockingbirds was her debut novel. She graduated from Brown University and lives in San Francisco, California, with her fabulous husband, fantastic kids, and adorable dog.