The Rivals

In this sequel to The Mockingbirds, Whitney explores the shakey moral ground vigilante justice stands on - and what to do if it's your only choice.

Some schools have honor codes. Others have handbooks. Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Last year, Alex was date raped. Her elite boarding school, however, wouldn't do anything about it. This year, Alex is head of The Mockingbirds, an underground student-run justice system, a group meant to be there for the students in a way that the administration never is. A group meant to help those who need it most. This year's case is unlike any seen before: a prescription drug ring has sprung up and kids are using the drugs to cheat. Alex is desperate to do a good job, to help others in the way that the Mockingbirds helped her last year. But this isn't rape, or bullying, or hate speech. How do you try a case with no obvious victim As Alex struggles to navigate the murky waters of vigilante justice, she may find that though it may be Themis's only choice, it is never a good one. And she'll have to wander over the moral line before she can come back and fight for what is right.