It Happened on Saturday

by

Sydney Dunlap

An excellent story for middle-grade readers that realistically portrays the dangers lurking online.

It was the end of the summer between seventh and eighth grades, and Julia’s best friend since the fifth grade was finally coming home from camp. The days had dragged by while Nori was away, more so than in the past, since the twins, also friends from school, had moved away right after the last day of school. Julia was looking forward to Nori’s return with plans for how they would spend the final summer vacation days before the new school year started. 

But when Nori returned, something had changed. She had met a boy at camp who turned out to attend the same school and had developed a different kind of friendship: a boy-girl friendship. Suddenly, Nori always had plans with Luke and didn’t have time for Julia. To top it off, Julia’s parents were busy with work and each other, and her older sister, Danielle, had a boyfriend of her own. Julia felt abandoned, the odd-man-out, just like that awful time in fifth grade before she had met Nori. 

However, after a quick afternoon makeover by Danielle, Julia posted her “new look” online. To her surprise and gratification, the “Likes” and complimentary comments poured in. But one comment, in particular, caught her eye. When that one was followed up by another and another by the same intriguingly unknown boy, Julia decided to reply, even though her parents had told her never to respond to strangers online. Little did Julia know that tyler_g had plans for her. 

It Happened on Saturday is a marvelous cautionary tale that explores the dangers lurking online with the advent of social media. In this case, the threat is kidnapping for sex trafficking. Julia is a regular girl with the same troubles and concerns felt by most elementary and middle-grade children: feeling ignored, not belonging, loneliness, and parents who are distracted by having to make a living. She is also experiencing changes in her once stable relationship with her best friend, who has moved on from childhood interests to having a boyfriend. Young readers will easily relate to her feelings and everyday life. 

The story demonstrates some of the simple, yet devious tactics employed to gain a victim’s trust, manipulate their choices, and isolate them from safety. Julia is somewhat wary at first, especially when Tyler reveals too much too soon. But the guy is a pro and recovers to the point where Julia gets comfortable again. 

This book would be an excellent choice to share with older elementary/middle-grade children or students to launch a discussion of this topic at school or home. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.