THE ONE WE LEFT BEHIND

<p>Sara Coven's award-winning novel <em>The One We Left Behind</em> explores unlikely friendships the angst of growing up and the desire to be accepted for who you are as it reminds readers that some decisions have consequences that can never be taken back.</p><p>The first day of junior high school is exciting and a little scary. For Evan and his classmates the day is ruined because of the weird new kid in town. Due to food allergies William and his family are forcing ridiculous food restrictions on the ENTIRE seventh grade. No more pizza. No more peanut butter. Not even a candy bar. It's completely unfair!</p><p> </p><p></p><p>Evan who already has enough to worry about-maintaining his cool guy status his reputation as the best batter in his grade and impressing the more intimidating students and teachers-is chosen first to sit alone in a room with this geek. What kind of kid can't sit in a school cafeteria? And why should it be Evan's problem?</p><p> </p><p></p><p>William becomes the most taunted and teased boy at school. Yet in that first week Evan realizes he doesn't actually hate being stuck with William. No kid has EVER made Evan laugh so hard. William is also a whiz with baseball statistics a fabulous prank puller and a pretty good listener.</p><p> </p><p></p><p>But when the week is over will Evan risk everything to befriend the school loser? It's not his fault that William is so dorky pale and different. Why should Evan help the allergy kid just because he was assigned to be his first lunch buddy? What is Evan supposed to do when the other kids pick on William and the bullying starts to escalate?</p>