We've all had one of those class project assignments where you learn through the process rather than just reading a textbook and taking a test. Ms. Gold has decided that rather than have her American Government class merely read about the workings of the judicial system, they will actually participate in a mock civil trial. After poking and prodding to find a complaint, Ms. Gold discovers that Ivy has been the "victim" of bullying for years at the hands of three popular girls. These "mean girls" become the defendants in the case while other students are chosen at random to serve a judge, jury, lawyers, etc. Will justice be served and will Ivy finally receive the apology she deserves and be left alone? Or will the intended lesson be lost on a group of teens who aren't prepared for such a major lesson in compassion and fairness? While the premise of the book was good, it didn't seem like there was any resolution. I enjoyed the different perspectives and the length would appear to a reluctant reader. However, it just ended after the verdict. There was no follow-up as to what the students had learned about the judicial system and/or how Ivy was treated (or continued to be mistreated) afterward. It also would have been nice to hear the perspective of Ms. Gold, especially since the students didn't appear to have much respect for her and it didn't appear that she prepared them for all that was involved in the assignment.
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