Pre-order
from Barnes & Noble
11/11/25
Mac has a reputation, and not the good kind.
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When his best friend gets hurt on the playground, everyone assumes he's to blame. Facing suspension, Mac gets one last shot to clear his name: a classroom mock trial, complete with witnesses, lawyers, and a surprise judge.
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As secrets come out and friendships are tested, Mac learns that breaking free of a label is harder than it looks—but maybe being seen for who you really are is worth the fight.
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Click this link to read an excerpt!
Early Readers Say:
"Mac is the fifth-grade kid everyone expects trouble from, but his new teacher, the perceptive Ms. J, sees a potential no one else does. Just as Mac feels all hope is lost, his teacher devises an unconventional solution: putting him on trial in his own classroom. The trial isn't just a civics lesson. It's a journey that uses courtroom drama to explore the dynamics of friendship and prove that things aren't always as they seem. This redemptive story is for every kid who's ever felt misunderstood, a reminder that in fifth grade and in life, everyone deserves a fair shake."
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-Sue Afsari
"The latest book from author Christy Wopat is a story that will draw you in. I imagine parents reading it with their preteens and having a discussion over pizza afterward. Is family book club a thing? Wopat makes me think it should be.
The chapter titles are clever, the characters are relatable and relevant, and the storyline builds and draws us in.
I am thrilled this story made it into book form. Everyone needs to know Mac. Heck, maybe you ARE Mac. "
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​​-Author and Humorist, Lisa David Olson
Christy's Books
Click to Order!
Signed Copies available in the shop.
Almost a Mother:
Love, Loss, and
Finding Your People
When Your Baby Dies
Always Ours
After All:
Pregnancy After Your Baby Dies
Christy Wopat
Christy Wopat is a middle-grade author, teacher, and lifelong champion of kids’ stories. With more than two decades of experience in education, she knows firsthand how important it is for young readers to feel seen, valued, and
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understood. Christy believes that every child deserves to find themselves in the pages of a book, and she writes with the goal of sparking curiosity, building empathy, and encouraging kids to embrace the power of their own voices.
Passionate about connecting with readers, Christy loves visiting classrooms, libraries, and community events to talk about writing, reading, and the joy of storytelling. Her greatest hope is to inspire kids not only to love books, but also to believe in their own ability to tell stories that matter.
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When she’s not writing or teaching, you can usually find Christy on the sidelines cheering at her kids’ activities, playing with her three cats—Old Dan, Little Ann, and Stevie—or curled up in a cozy spot with a good book in hand.
