One We Left Behind, The

The first day of junior high school is exciting, and a little scary. In The One We Left Behind, 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! 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? 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. 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? The One We Left Behind explores unlikely friendships, the angst of growing up, and the desire to be accepted for who you are. It reminds readers that decisions sometimes have consequences that can never be taken back. "This story serves lighthearted and profound moments in equal measure all the way to the unforgettable ending." Kirkus Reviews