Catalyst

Meet Kate Malone -- straight A science and math geek, minister's daughter, ace long-distance runner, unwilling family caretaker, emotional avoidance champion. Kate manages her life by compartmentalizing it, not unlike the periodic table. She can handle anything -- or so she thinks. Then, like a string of chemical reactions, everything happens: the Malones' neighbors get burned out of their home and move in. Because her father is a Good Man of God (and a Not Very Thoughtful Parent), Kate has to share her room with her nemesis, Flo Litch, and Flo's adorable, troublemaking little brother. Kate's ex-boyfriend keeps trying to get back together. And she gets rejected from the only college she has applied to: MIT. Kate's life is less and less under control -- and then, something happens that truly blows it all apart.

About the Author: Laurie Halse Anderson grew up in Syracuse, New York, and now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters.