It Happened on Saturday

by Sydney Dunlap

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Pub Date Feb 21 2023 | Archive Date Feb 24 2023

North Star Editions | Jolly Fish Press

Middle Grade

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Description

Thirteen-year-old Julia would much rather work with horses at the rescue barn than worry about things like dating and makeup. But when her BFF meets a boy at camp, Julia’s determined not to get left behind. After a makeover from her older sister, she posts a picture of herself online and gets a comment from Tyler—a seemingly nice kid who lives across town. As they DM more and more, Julia’s sure that Tyler understands her in a way her family never has. Even better, their relationship earns her tons of attention at school.

Then Julia finds out Tyler's true plan, and her world is turned upside down. She fiercely guards her secret, but could her silence allow her friends to fall into the same trap?

Advance Praise

"Dunlap writes with compassion about factors that render adolescents particularly vulnerable to trafficking and what it takes to keep them safe; she offers insights into how excruciating self-consciousness prevents victims from seeking help or sharing their experiences. A powerful work." —Kirkus Reviews

“In It Happened on Saturday, Julia faces harrowing trauma and uses her experience to help others. Trafficking is something everyone needs to know about. This book could, literally, save your life.” —Kathryn Erskine, National Book Award–winning author of Mockingbird

“The danger that Julia falls into, her bravery to fight her way out, and her emotional journey to heal is a story that will resonate with readers long after they close this book. I hope every young person, every parent, everyone who works with young people will read this book. It’s that important.” —Barbara Roberts, author of Nikki on the Line

“Sydney Dunlap has written a fictional story that very accurately portrays a real-life situation—how a young girl is tricked into becoming a victim of trafficking. Sydney writes in such a way that the words, emotions, and interactions take us directly into the heart of this young girl. I would urge every tween, teenager, parent, and even grandparent to read this book.” —Sherrie Jerke, former director of Traffick911

“It Happened on Saturday is a sobering and necessary read. Sydney effectively tells a tough story with language that readers will recognize and identify with. Sadly, this story is not just fiction, but I believe that it will leave readers with real courage, like main character Julia’s—courage to speak their truth and courage to protect each other.” —Kelly J. Baptist, author of Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero

"Dunlap writes with compassion about factors that render adolescents particularly vulnerable to trafficking and what it takes to keep them safe; she offers insights into how excruciating...