Ernie knows the rules of survival in his high school: never look the bullies in the eye, and don’t look behind you. Ernie, who tips the scales at 242 pounds, and his awkward friend, Will, have navigated the dangerous waters of their school with bearable misery. Things change abruptly, though, after a tragic accident claims the life of Will’s younger brother, and Ernie’s diary chronicles Will’s rising anger. A shared love of fishing gives the boys brief moments of happiness, even as the scenes emphasize Ernie’s growing fear about his friend’s behavior. Hyde fills her story with well-meaning adults who try but fail to stem the impact of the bullying in their community. The bullies come across as one-dimensional, but Hyde portrays Ernie, Will, and their daily struggles with heartbreaking authenticity. Ernie wrestles between loyalty to his best friend and doing the right thing, and the resulting conflict creates an atmosphere of dread that increases to the dramatic conclusion. Closing with a hopeful resolution, this timely story is sure to get teens talking.