Books like Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson
Kate Malone is a straight‑A science and math student, a long‑distance runner, the daughter of a minister and the primary caretaker for her younger siblings. Her life seems meticulously organized—much like the periodic table—until a fire destroys the Malone neighbors’ home, and the family must take in a rival student’s brother. Facing a new roommate, a crowded schedule, and the anxiety of waiting for her one college offer, Kate’s world begins to shift as she confronts loss, responsibility, and the unpredictable moments that can alter a life.
Set in the same community that nurtures Laurie Halse Anderson’s other works, this novel explores a high‑school girl’s struggle to maintain control while navigating grief, friendships, and the path toward adulthood.
First publish date: 2002
Genre: Children's Fiction/Children's Adventure
Authors: Laurie Halse Anderson
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