Charlie endured non-stop bullying all the way through the school year. It was probably the worst time in his life. But it was summer now, and he was optimistic that next year would be better. He had a whole summer to recover, and he was sure he would be ready once school started again. He would make new friends and put the bad times behind him. But then…On the first day of summer vacation, Mark—the worst of Charlie’s bullies—knocks on his door to apologize and offer friendship. Charlie doubts he can trust Mark. Why would he? Did Mark even know how to be a friend? Mark assures him he means what he says. “What have you got to lose?”

With no friends to call on, Charlie decides to take a risk and trust Mark. If he’s being honest, everything could change for the better—but if he’s not, Charlie’s life could get a lot worse.

Resources for Readers, Families & Educators: Discussion and support materials for readers, parents, teachers, librarians, counselors, and other professionals working with young people.

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