How We Roll

When Quinn's hair started falling out the summer before 8th grade, it changed everything.  Her two best friends since childhood suddenly couldn't figure out how to be normal, and an embarrassing incident at a party ruined her reputation and altered her friendships for good.  Also, she never really shares her problems with her parents because she knows keeping her younger brother Julius, who is on the autism spectrum, happy and successful takes most of their energy.

When her parents decide to move halfway across the country to find a better school for Julius, Quinn is actually kind of relieved.  No one in Massachuesetts knows about her alopecia.  She can show up on the first day with a wig and pretend everything is normal.

It works, sort of.  Everyone things Guineviere (the wig) is her real hair, and she's somehow immediately accepted by some of the most popular girls in 9th grade.  But the wig is itchy, and she's constantly afraid it will come off and expose her secret.

There's also Nick, the kid in the wheelchair.  He used to be a football star until a snowmobile accident crushed his legs leaving him as a double amputee.  Nick is sullen and moody, but Quinn feels drawn to him, and they have study hall together, so they have plenty of time to talk.

Quinn can understand a little of what Nick is going through because of her horrible 8th grade year, but even as their friendship deepens, she still isn't ready to reveal the truth about her bald head.  As they learn to trust each other, their feeling might just become more than frienship.

Natasha Friend's new book is a quick and hopeful read about about the struggles these two teens face when major physical struggles occur.  Though it is a quick read, it never feels rushed or dismissive the topic.  The romance is very light, and Quinn's new friend's turn out to be winners in the end.  Recommended for grades 8 and up for references to underage drinking and specific but untrue rumors about a couple of characters being sexually promiscuous.