Mateo is at the center of a wild rumor that is swiftly spreading around school. He's freaked out and frustrated. He can't seem to stop it or shut it down. What's worse, the rumor is a lie started by someone Mateo thought was a friend. The whispers began, like they so often do in middle school, during the lunch period. Mateo and his longtime friend Lily were laughing and joking with each other. When Harris saw them together, he didn't see two friends innocently goofing around. He saw a lovey-dovey couple who MUST BE boyfriend and girlfriend.

Or at least that's what he wants everyone else to think. Harris wastes little time telling his buddies about Mateo and his girlfriend. Soon that rumor is all over school. Mateo gets hassled by his friends. Lily feels disrespected. Both are annoyed and uncomfortable, and eventually stop speaking to each other. Are they going to let the gossip and teasing destroy their friendship? Why is He Spreading Rumors about Me? is a gripping, fast-paced story that explores the insecurities, fears, obsessions, and anxieties of middle schoolers. As Mateo struggles to salvage his friendship with Lily and put an end to all the gossip, young readers gain an understanding of how hurtful and far reaching a rumor's ripple effects can be.

Educators and group leaders can supplement this chapter book with a Teacher and Counselor Activity Guide. The guide provides self-reflection questions and group activities to thoughtfully engage readers with the content, encouraging them to think critically about the frustration, embarrassment, and alienation that result when rumors are repeated. Award-winning author and school counselor Jennifer Licate continues to add to her wildly popular Navigating Friendships series which is great for kids in grades 4 through 8 who are struggling with changing friendships and figuring out how to self-advocate and get along with others. The series includes: He's Not Just Teasing! A Book About the Difference Between Teasing and Bullying Am I Weird? A Book About Finding Your Place When You Feel Like You Don't Fit In I Lost My BFF: A Book About Jealousy and Rejection Within Friendships Why is Drama Always Following Me? A Book about learning to Listen to Friends and Not Judge My Anxiety is Messing Things Up: A Book Exploring Fears and Anxieties of Middle School Each chapter book has a corresponding Teacher and Counselor Activity Guide for adults to use with individuals or groups of children who are struggling with friendships.