Elita Brown

At the start of 7th grade, Elita Brown’s friends enjoy their seats at the popular lunchroom table. Meanwhile, Elita hides in the bathroom. This is not how she envisioned middle school. And her omission from the popular table is only the beginning of her problems. What will she do when she’s terrorized by the meanest girl in school and accused of a crime she didn’t commit? Elita befriends an older couple living in the woods and gains confidence through her project on the red fox. Will Elita find her way and take her seat at the best table?

December normally brings joy to Elita Brown’s heart with the coziness of winter and the anticipation of Christmas. But when Elita compares her life to others, her best friends seem to have it so much better. Margo hosts a fancy holiday dinner party; Joy discovers a hibernating bear on her family’s property, and Stephen shares his love of football with Joy. Even her little sister Cally has a seemingly perfect life with a special role in The Nutcracker. Every day, Elita grows more and more jealous.

Spring arrives in Pennsylvania and Elita Brown suddenly finds herself seated at the table of popularity. She wins a leadership award that also wins the admiration and attention of others—including the new popular boy in school. But when her best friend posts a video about Elita that goes viral, Elita realizes not every table fits her personality—or God's plan for her.

Summer is finally here. And while Elita should be enjoying newfound freedom, she finds herself wilting under the summer sun and the accusations of friends who feel she’s too focused on herself and her own problems. When she tries to find joy and solace in an abandoned fox kit, she lands herself in even more heat—this time with the law. And just when she thinks things can’t possibly get worse, she receives a text message that breaks her heart.