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Sticks & Stones

Sixth grader Elyse suffers from a bizarre (and fictional) disease: cognadjivisibilitis, or the visual appearance of words on one’s skin when someone levels a compliment or insult. In addition to all of the expected perils of middle school, such as dealing with mean girls, coping with a failed romance, and relating to parents, Elyse must live with itchy skin rashes that spell out the adjectives that others use to describe her. When she receives a mysterious offer to help with her condition, she discovers just how powerful words can be, especially those that are hurtful.