Chaos Theory (Hardcover)

Author: Nic Stone

Publisher: Crown Publishing (2023)

For ages 13+

Scars exist to remind us of what we’ve survived.
 
DETACHED
Since Shelbi enrolled at Windward Academy as a senior and won’t be there very long, she hasn’t bothered making friends. What her classmates don’t know about her can’t be used to hurt her—you know, like it did at her last school.
 
WASTED
Andy Criddle is not okay. At all.
He’s had far too much to drink.
Again. Which is bad.
And things are about to get worse.
 
When Shelbi sees Andy at his lowest, she can relate. So she doesn’t resist reaching out. And there’s no doubt their connection has them both seeing stars . . . but the closer they get, the more the past threatens to pull their universes apart.

"Stone’s talent for writing compassionately about controversial topics that affect the lives of many is on display."

–The Washington Post

“A beautiful exploration of neurodivergence, grief, and taking risks.” 

–Booklist

“Readers will appreciate Stone’s honest discussion of the critical issues of mental illness and substance abuse . . . as well as what it means to support a friend who is in need.” 

–The Horn Book