THE MURDER OF BINDY MACKENZIE by Jaclyn Moriarty

Bindy Mackenzie is the smartest girl at Ashbury High. Just ask her. She makes the highest marks in all of her courses, is active in the debate program, and even facilitates meetings with troubled teens. A new course called F.A.D. is the bane of Bindy’s existence. She does not get along well with the other group members, and she is convinced that they do not like her and are out to get her. As the year progresses, Bindy begins to feel sick and unable to stay focused. Little does she know that someone is indeed out to get her, but it is not the people she suspects, It is now up to the F.A.D. group to save Bindy Mackenzie’s life!

I loved this book! Many young readers will be intrigued by the Australian setting. It is also important to note that the entire story is told through Bindy’s diary entries, memos, transcripts, and other correspondence. Although the “murder” storyline which comes in at the end was a little bizarre, I really appreciated the overarching message of the entire book, about honesty, being true to oneself, and being willing to open up to others. Having recently grappled with many of these issues myself, the book really resonated with me. I want to read more by Jaclyn Moriarty!