An excellent epistolary novel for upper middle-grade readers. The friendships, families, and situations in this novel are all written honestly and realistically, and the central message is strong and important without ever being preachy. Should be an auto buy for middle school teachers and librarians.

Anna is the new girl at school who feels absolutely compelled to solve a mystery—what happened to her classmate, Rachel? Because podcasts are so hot right now, Anna attempts to create one centered around this mystery. Not only is Anna hoping this podcast will bring about answers, but she’s also completing an assignment for a social issues class and using it to win a spot at a prestigious podcasting workshop.

To be blunt: this book is about sexual harassment. We don’t always agree on how to define it, and sometimes we don’t want to admit that we’re doing it, or that it’s happening to us, or that we’re ignoring it. But I think this book serves as a much needed reminder—even to adults!--that certain behaviors, even if they are initiated by kids, are not okay and need to be dealt with appropriately.

On a lighter note, I adored the formatting, as it was peppered with emails, texts, written notes, and audio transcripts from various characters. Anna was a great MC who, I think, beautifully reflects how forward-thinking so many young people are.

This was a great mystery story that shed light on issues in middle school such as sexual harassment, social status, and the impact of social media. Anna is very likable character who also highlights the perils of exploring true crime. The book was very fast paced and I found myself curious to see what happened next. The mixed media formatting also made it a quick read. My one downside is that I've read other books that talk about the same subject before, so while the formatting and characters were unique, I found the plot a little generic. That being said I loved Anna's investigation and will definitely by recommending this to middle schoolers and teachers alike.

Ugh. Eighth grade!!! The worst, especially for Anna who like me had to start a new school at that that difficult time. This brings out all the drama - relationships, social media, body image/changes and hiding behind lies that are destroying others. Lots of great lessons here for those who choose to look the other way AND for trusting those you love to help.

WHAT HAPPENED TO RACHEL RILEY? by Claire Swinarski is a sharply written and powerful novel set in the drama filled world of middle school. The story unfolds in a collection of text messages, emails, and podcast recordings. The protagonist, Anna Hunt, is the new girl in school. But it doesn't take long for her to discover a uniquely adolescent mystery: why is Rachel Riley, a girl once in the upper echelons of popularity, now a social pariah? Anna decides to chronicle her investigation in audio recordings, both as a school assignment for a social issues class, and for a podcast camp application. Anna's amateur research uncovers secrets about a fire, a canceled dance, an offensive website, and a school wide sexual harassment problem. Swinarski's novel is dedicated to 8th grade girls everywhere. I'm on a personal mission to share it with all the middle school teachers and librarians I know. The answer to what happened to Rachel Riley can be found in locker filled hallways in communities everywhere. Swinarski's often funny, and ultimately very moving novel is one with the potential to empower young women and educate young men.