Fifth-grader Allie is the principal's kid, and last year, she made the mistake of getting her friend Chloe into trouble - so now she's lost that friendship, and gained a reputation as a rat. At least Allie has the Afters - three other kids whose parents work at the school, and who hang out there after everyone else goes home. But what Allie really wants is to be normal, and all she needs is an opportunity to talk to Chloe, explain, and apologize.
Will she get the chance? And will she have to choose between being normal and her friendship with the Afters?

See also: Things Seen From Above by Shelley Pearsall

Quotes

"Never guess someone's backstory. You don't know the truth until you ask." (Dad to Allie, 44)

Being an insider at this school only makes me feel like an outsider. (186)

...I'm around hundreds of people all day long, but I'm alone. (215)

literary agent: Jill Corcoran ( )