Eleven-year-old Clarissa Rissa” Bartholomewhas had the same friends her whole life. But asthe other girls in the group become obsessedwith ballet, shopping, lip gloss, and boys, Rissabegins to think it’s time to leave the herd” andbe her own person. Unfortunately, no one seemsto understand Rissa’s change of heart, least of allher own mother.With middle school just around the corner, Rissa’sdeclaration of independence couldn’t come at aworse time—but maybe, just maybe, it could turnout to be the best thing she’s ever done.