A heartfelt freshman-year story about secrets, second chances, first crushes, school drama, and learning that being seen isn't always the same as being hurt.
Jane Bennett has one goal for freshman year at Syracuse High School:
Stay invisible.
No attention.
No drama.
No one asking too many questions.
Especially about who she used to be.
Because "Jane Bennett" isn't her real name.
A couple of years earlier, Lexi Frankenberry became the girl everyone laughed at after one awful moment during a middle school talent show spread through the halls, phones, and group chats faster than she could escape it. After leaving town and trying to move on, Lexi is back-with a new name, a quieter life, and one simple plan:
Disappear.
At first, it almost works.
Then she meets Luke Harrison.
Luke is friendly, easygoing, impossible to avoid, and somehow always nearby. At first, Jane tells herself he is just another reason to be careful. The less attention she draws, the safer she is.
But the more time she spends with Luke, the harder it becomes to stay unnoticed-and the harder it becomes to pretend she doesn't like being seen by him.
Soon, staying invisible is no longer the only thing Jane is worried about.
Now she's afraid of what will happen if Luke discovers the truth.
That Jane Bennett is really Lexi Frankenberry.
That the girl he's starting to care about has been lying about who she is.
And that some pasts are harder to outrun than others.
But Luke isn't the only one paying attention.
Olivia Porter, a girl from Jane's past, starts asking questions. An old yearbook resurfaces. Whispers spread. And the secret Jane has worked so hard to bury begins catching up with her.
Now Jane has to decide whether hiding from her past is really protecting her...
or keeping her from finally living her life.
Lexi Frankenberry: The Invisible Freshman is a clean, fast-paced, and relatable coming-of-age story about friendship, sweet first crushes, school drama, bullying, forgiveness, and finding the courage to stop hiding.
At 171 pages, it's an approachable read for middle school and high school readers ages 10-17, as well as parents looking for a heartfelt story about growing up, starting over, and learning to be seen.