The Ripple Effect

Zella is twelve, it is the end of 6th grade, and she has her heart set on pulling off the best class prank of all. The tradition is one the school allows within limits, and as the class clown she wants the spotlight that comes with winning it. But being 12 is hard. Everything is changing, and everyone else seems cooler and better understood.

While Zella chases her image, she misses what is happening with her two best friends, Bowie and Janea. She also adds to the worries of her mom, who is stretched thin running the family's struggling ice cream shop and looking after Pops. Zella never means to cause trouble, but the trouble arrives anyway. The story is told in alternating chapters by Zella, Bowie, Janea, Shelby the school sleuth, and even the town of Kettleby itself, so readers see her choices from many sides.

Then the prank goes wrong. The whole class is punished, and the blame lands squarely on Zella. When she gets a second chance, she starts with small, quiet acts of thoughtfulness. They spread, one kindness leading to the next, until they add up to something much bigger than she planned.

Warm and funny, this hopeful story about connection and generosity suits readers aged 9 to 12, including fans of Katherine Applegate's Wishtree. It also makes a good pick for book clubs and classroom discussion. Zella learns that making amends and keeping good friends can taste even sweeter than her family's famous raspberry ripple ice cream.