The Science of Friendship

*Signed Bookplates!*

A friendship hypothesisand one failed experimentleads one girl to investigate the science of middle school friendship makeups and breakups in this hopeful and heartwarming story from Tanita S. Davis, author ofPartly CloudyandSerena Says.

Rylee Swanson is beginning eighth grade withzerofriends.

A humiliating moment at the end-of-seventh-grade pool party involving a cannonball, a waterlogged updo, and some disappearing clothes has Rylee halfway convinced shes better off withoutanyfriendsat least friends likethose.

The one question Rylee cant shake is . . .why?

When a group assignment in journalism pairs Rylee with science geek DeNia Alonso, DeNias annoyingly know-it-all, nerdy personality is both frustration and fuel to Rylees search for answers. Together they conduct research, run surveys, and write their way toward even more questions about what makes friendshipsand breaks them. Between her shaky new partnership with DeNia, an annoying brother, and a friend from the past, Rylees got a lot to think about. But the more she learns, the more Rylee wonders: Could there be a science to friendship? And can it keep her from losing friends ever again?

With warmth, heart, and resonance, Tanita S. Daviss deep dive into middle school friendships is perfect for fans ofDear Friends,Let’s Pretend We Never Met, andThe Miscalculations of Lightning Girl.