It Happened on Saturday
$19.99
After thirteen-year-old Julia nearly becomes a victim of human trafficking, she must find the courage to speak up about her experience or else her friend could end up becoming a victim too. Preview this book.
Description
Thirteen-year-old Julia would much rather work with horses at the rescue barn than worry about things like dating and makeup. But when her BFF meets a boy at camp, Julia’s determined not to get left behind. After a makeover from her older sister, she posts a picture of herself online and gets a comment from Tyler—a seemingly nice kid who lives across town. As they DM more and more, Julia’s sure that Tyler understands her in a way her family never has. Even better, their relationship earns her tons of attention at school.
Then Julia finds out Tyler’s true plan, and her world is turned upside down. She fiercely guards her secret, but could her silence allow her friends to fall into the same trap?
Additional information
Format | Hardcover |
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Thirteen-year-old Julia would much rather work with horses at the rescue barn than worry about things like dating and makeup. But when her BFF meets a boy at camp, Julia’s determined not to get left behind. After a makeover from her older sister, she posts a picture of herself online and gets a comment from Tyler—a seemingly nice kid who lives across town. As they DM more and more, Julia’s sure that Tyler understands her in a way her family never has. Even better, their relationship earns her tons of attention at school. Then Julia finds out Tyler’s true plan, and her world is turned upside down. She fiercely guards her secret, but could her silence allow her friends to fall into the same trap?
Copyright: 2023
Page Count: 256
Trim Size: 5.5 x 8.5
Rights Territory: Worldwide
Lexile: 690L
Categories:
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Strangers
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Adolescence & Coming of Age
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
Sydney Dunlap is a former elementary school teacher who has worked with at-risk youth in a variety of settings, and she enjoys reading and writing heartfelt, hopeful fiction that expands young readers’ awareness of tough topics. She is a published poet and has also written for a newspaper. A lifelong animal lover, Sydney lives with her family in a home where the dogs and cats outnumber the people. You can visit her online at sydneydunlap.com.
“Dunlap writes with compassion about factors that render adolescents particularly vulnerable to trafficking and what it takes to keep them safe; she offers insights into how excruciating self-consciousness prevents victims from seeking help or sharing their experiences. A powerful work.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Themes of human trafficking, social media, middle school adjustments are on target. The development of family relationships and the challenge of growing up in this period of time teaches without judgement.” — Children’s Literature
2025 Beehive Book Award Nominee
2024 Crystal Kite Awards Honor Winner
2024 IPPY Awards Silver Medalist, Juvenile Fiction
2023 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards Silver Winner, Juvenile Fiction
2023 Moonbeam Awards Gold Medalist (Pre-Teen Fiction – Mature Issues)
34th Annual Reading the West Book Awards Nominee – Young Readers
A 2025 OLA Intermediate Sequoyah Masterlist selection
2023 Cybils Awards Nominee – Middle Grade Fiction