How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford 276 pages

Bea has difficulty settling in to a new school. Her family has moved several times to advance her father's academic career. Her emotionally unstable mother calls her Robot Girl when she does not break down in tears after the family gerbil dies. At school she is befriended by Ghost Boy, rather than welcomed by the cliquish and catty girls who have known each other since kindergarten. She is drawn to friendless Jonah and is unsure what to do when she discovers his sad baggage. He has an institutionalized twin brother that he wants to help rescue. Their relationship deepens not so much as a romance but as a true, deep friendship. School life for these outcasts is delineated perfectly. Thought provoking read has depth.