About this book

There's something in the water at Lorane Creek. It smells really bad. It's a strange color. And it's making people sick.

Katy and her best friend, Joel, decide to document the strangeness at the creek, trying to solve the mystery of what's going on. They discover a sinister man dumping bad things into the water. Even when he's told to stop, he goes ahead and keeps doing it.

The bullies at school are just like that, too. Katy and Joel are learning that bullies do what they do because they think they can get away with it, because they think they're bigger than the rules.

Katy, Joel, and the rest of the town have to find a way to stand up to them before the bullies ruin the creek (and so many other things) forever.

Reviews

Praise for Attack of the Black Rectangles:

* "A must-have." -- School Library Journal, starred review

* "Poignant, humorous, and bright... a beacon of hope." -- Booklist, starred review

* "Searingly relevant." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Such a satisfying read." -- The New York Times Book Review

Praise for Me and Marvin Gardens:

A Spring 2017 Kid's Indie Next List selection

A Washington Post Best Book of the Year

A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year

A Texas Bluebonnet Master List selection

* "A provocative exploration of human action and interaction on both local and global levels, as well as the interplay between past, present, and future, King's novel will leave readers pondering how we treat each other and the planet. " -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "A smart, environmentally conscious underdog story with a lot of heart.... The characters are rewardingly complex. Through Obe, King asks the Big Questions alongside the smaller, more personal ones in a way that will likely have readers doing the same." -- The Horn Book Magazine, starred review

* "A coming-of-age novel with a fully developed and authentic protagonist. An emotionally rich read for a wide audience, especially those interested in keeping the planet alive and well for future generations." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"Mystical, fablelike... just right for a sensitive sixth-grader with a growing self- and world awareness trying to navigate the troubled waters of uncertain friendships and demeaning bullying. A finely wrought, magical coming-of-age tale with a convincing message." -- Kirkus Reviews

"This is acclaimed YA author King's first foray into middle-grade territory, and it's no surprise that she adeptly handles issues like bullying, compromised friendship, complex family dynamics, and the tedium of homework... Drawing upon the tradition of Carl Hiaasen's Hoot (2002), this eco-focused story will tug at readers' consciences and heartstrings." -- Booklist