She's the Liar

by Alison Cherry

When Abby arrives to Brookside Academy, she is determined to reinvent herself. Abby sheds her shy personality and plays the part of confident newcomer, "Abbi." She quickly learns about The Committee, a student-led organization that controls nearly every aspect of extracurricular activity. And to her surprise, her older sister Sydney has also reinvented herself and is the president of the Committee.

Sister rivalry erupts as Abby decides to join the Committee. The sisters try to out maneuver each other for power and influence. But not everything is as it seems and readers will find out that there are always two sides to a story.

Genres: Fiction, Middle Grade, Friendship, Drama, Young Adult

208 pages, Hardcover

First published May 28, 2019

About the author

Alison grew up in Evanston, IL. She is a professional photographer and spent many years working as a lighting designer for theater, opera, and dance. Now she lives in Brooklyn and writes young adult novels full time. She is represented by the lovely and amazing Holly Root of Root Literary.

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I thought it was going to be a stupid sister rivalry but it had some great messages and was very well written.

[Sara Esa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super good! I enjoyed it a lot, and seriously recommend.

[Maquel Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

She's the Liar tells the story of a feud between two young sisters who now attend the same boarding school. Sixth-grader and younger sister Abby is trying to reinvent herself as "Abbi" and is searching for her identity through conquering school events and taking down her big sister. Through confidence in herself, Abby finds her voice. However, this was not an easy challenge given that her big sister was trying to ruin her chances all along. This is a great story for students from 6th to 8th grade. Although I would not recommend teaching this book in a classroom it would be a great book to keep in mind for personal recommendations to students or to keep on your classroom bookshelf. The book features strong themes of family and finding one's identity.

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

'She's the Liar' by Alison Cherry is about sisters Abby and Sydney and their time together at Brookside Academy. Abby, who has decided to rebrand herself as 'Abbi' and be a newer, cooler version of herself upon entering sixth grade, comes to learn that with her newfound role comes heartache. Eighth grader and big sister Sydney is not making Abbi's life easy. Not only is Sydney the head of The Committee (which basically makes her the student body president, or Brookside's version of it), she has the power to make decisions that govern everyone, and make Abbi terribly upset with the outcomes. When Abbi dares to stand up to her sister, Sydney is taken aback and decides to deal with the issue the only way she knows how – shutting Abbi down, just as she shuts down everyone else with what seems to be her power-hungry decisions.

The first half of the book tells Abbi's side of the story. It shows how she deals with her sister's power plays, and how she tries to take matters into her own hands and bring the student body around to support her instead of her sister. The second half of the book tells Sydney's side of it. Alison Cherry does an amazing job of this, as readers will likely not see how anything Sydney can show of herself in the second half can make her actions okay. But Sydney does indeed have her own side for readers to learn about, and what it is comes across more surprising than one might expect. Her power-hungry actions and their consequences are more than just that, but she needs to make Abbi see this. The trouble is that Abbi has taken it upon herself to fight to join The Committee and make change, including undermining her sister. Figuring out how to thwart Abbi's attempts before Abbi finds out the truth about Sydney is all Sydney can think to do, but the truth may come out anyway.

An intriguing look at how perspectives can truly shape the way one sees others and also themselves, 'She's the Liar' is a quick and entertaining read that will make readers think long and hard about their own actions. Definitely recommended!

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a fun romp for me, and I'd actually rate it a 3.5, especially for its originality. As many siblings have found, it can be hard to follow in the footsteps of an older sister or brother. Sixth grader Abby (Abbi) Carrington finds it particularly hard when she realizes that her sister, Sydney, is the head of the influential decision-making student group called The Committee at her new boarding school. Abbi has come to Brookside Academy determined to behave differently there than at her previous school where she had been belittled due to an incident when she was young. Now, in fresh terrain, she's stepping out of her comfort zone, trying out for a part in the play, and reaching out to others. But Sydney seems to be in her way at every turn, even cancelling the school play. The first part of the story is told by Abbi, leaving readers confused about why Sydney is behaving as she is and wondering if she is jealous of Abbi's success. The second half, told from Sydney's perspective, reveals that there is more to the story than can be seen on the surface. It is fascinating to learn just how Sydney has reached her pinnacle of power. Sisterhood can be a very complicated thing as shown in this well-plotted book. I didn't think that I could summon any sympathy for Sydney, but by the end of the book, I understood her a lot more than I had. I imagine there are plenty of girls just like her out there. It's too bad that we can't just be accepted on our own merit and let each other be. There's plenty of room in the world for everyone to shine.

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel about siblings and misunderstandings is a good addition to any middle school realistic fiction collection. 6th grader Abby has recently transferred to her sister’s boarding school in Vermont. Making this big change to a new school is exactly what withdrawn and scared Abby needs to become someone new. She is now Abbi, an outgoing and friendly girl and is loving her new life until she has to go head to head with her popular and powerful 8th grade sister Sydney. Syd also acts very differently than she did in elementary school and Abbi is shocked to see how much sway (and fear) she holds over the student body. The novel is divided into two sections, first offering a glimpse at Abbi’s perspective and then delving into Syd’s thoughts and motivations. Both girls are not what they portray to the school and it is only because they are sisters that they can let their guard down with each other. While the title (She’s the Liar!) implies that there is one big issue they both are fighting about, the story goes a bit deeper into identity and self-actualization. A nice read for young middle schoolers, this story explores how hard it can be to show your real self.

[Kara Nuccio · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book because of the relationships and interactions that the sisters encounter. However, the separation between Abby's perspective and then Sydney's perspective halfway through the book was very confusing and I personally didn't like it. I understand that this could be seen as showing that there are two perspectives to everything, however, I feel it could have been done in a different way. What made this book more engaging was the different plot twists and humor that the book had. The writer did well in word choice that would make the reader become connected to the characters in which they wanted to see how they progressed or transformed from being someone they weren't; thus creating a page-turning book. I was required to write my own script that focused on a scene in the book which made the book more fun and engaging itself because it is part of a project, which I feel is great for kids in middles school that way they can see that there are different perspectives in the world. Which this book does a good job displaying.

[Sammi Nutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

She’s the Liar by Alison Cherry is a book about two girls, Abby and Sydney, and their relationship at Brookside Academy. Abby is a sixth grader whom is new to the school and changes from the shy girl to the cool girl as soon as the first day rolls around. Sydney, her older eighth grade sister is head of the Committee and is not happy with her younger sisters’ new appearance. Sydney takes her power and shines a negative light on herself by using her power incorrectly. This book is written in two parts, Abby’s side verse Sydney’s side. She’s the Liar is a great book that highlights the fact that there are two sides to every story and also depicts student government and theater in a positive manor. This is a great book for students to relate to as it shows the relationship between sisters, friendships, school and how life is not always perfect.

[Mikaela Powers · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book helps address the tension that comes between siblings, especially at the age range they are using in this book. Abby and Sydney are sisters, and Abby had just transferred to the same school her sister goes too. With this new school, she wants to reinvent herself into "Abbi'. This helps boost her self esteem and leaves her feeling confident. There are some issues between the two sisters when Sydney is using her power negatively. The book is split into two parts, giving each sister their own side. This book can be used in classrooms because it can give students a relatable story between siblings, friendship, switching schools, and all of it combined together. This book also helps readers understand there are always two sides to every story, which is an important thing to remember throughout our lives.

[Ciara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby is starting sixth grade at Brookside, a new boarding school, and decides to reinvent herself in order to make friends. But once she gets there she realizes that her sister, Sydney, is someone completely different when she's at school, and when their attempts to reinvent themselves pit them against each other, Abby and Sydney must decide what is truly important to them.

Sydney really annoyed me at first, but I really liked her and grew to understand her by the end of the book. I found that I strongly connected with Abby as well, and I liked reading a book in a boarding school setting. My favorite part was the sweet and hopeful ending. Great for kids who love boarding school stories or who are just looking for a book with relatable characters.

[Chloe Wei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly the book's plot and everything was pretty good. Middle school drama with blackmailing and stuff, who doesn't love it. I just don't like the way the characters wer portrayed. For example, Abby seems very confident and whatnot, but was portrayed like a rude spoiled brat, talking to her sister rudely. Seems like the new boss of the school than someone who's trying to vote for justice or something. That's all, the book overall was okay, just how the characters were portrayed something I don't like.

[Kirsti Call · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a quick read with fun plot twists. I loved reading from Abbi's point of view for the first half of the book, and then her older sister, Sydney's point of view for the remaining half. The sisters are not close and the irony is that they both feel friendless and have reinvented themselves at the new school. I loved how things were resolved, the quick witted humor and fun plot. Overall, a great middle grade read!

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I would never pick up in a million years on my own, but my daughter selected it and asked me to read it to her, and I was very surprised to say that it is indeed a very worthwhile read. There were lots of opportunities to discuss choices and decisions as we watched the characters develop and go through events that changed them in ways in which they could grow.

I think the book was very well written and deserving of a wider audience.

[Shauna Yusko · Rating 3 out of 5]

This will definitely have readers. I liked Abby’s story and transformation.
Never really got into Syd’s character and there are definitely some character/plot/conflict holes... but a quick read for the tween crowd who will likely be more forgiving.

[Abigail Aldas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stopped at the switch to Sydney. I would have preferred if it just stuck with Abbi, or maybe Sydney and her could have took turns with chapters. I did like how Sydney was just trying to protect Abbi from getting embarrassed. That was sweet. Would recommend.

[kokomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty basic, but if your bored then its fine

[Oscar · Rating 2 out of 5]

every other book about middle school does it better

[Stacey McClintock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was super good from the twist to the blackmailing I think other people would love this book!😎😋😍

[Aoife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney gay as shit 🏳️‍🌈 I LOVE Sydney and Abbi’s relationship so much and Abbi is an absolute icon (and very inspiring) and this book was so quick and light to read! I want to know what happens next

Main characters: 4/5
Side characters: 4/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Plot execution: 5/5
Writing: 3/5
Overall: 5/5


I WOULD DIE FOR A SEQUEL OF THIS BOOK I LOVE SYDNEY AND ABBI SO MUCH 😢😢 I WANNA SEE SYD’S REAL PERSONALITY AND HOW HER FRIENDSHIP WITH JENNA GOES
Sydney is a lesbian 100% 💯

Bro if it were in real time they’d be gr 10 and 12 CRYINGGGGG I love this book so much even though I haven’t read it in like 2 years

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this bookShe's The Liar

[zizi ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book. I've read it probably 43 times, and it's a quality, i-just-need-a-quick-read book. Tbh I wouldn't say it's a masterpiece, but I'd definitely a good book.

[A. R. Kalapala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book with amazing academia vibes! I recommend this book to all ages as a fun read for younger people, and a nostalgic read for anyone older!

[Daisy Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, I recommend it. It was a sweet book. Easy read.