The Secret of Locker 24

One morning before classes start, Emily Turner sees something in her school’s hallway that brings her to a dead stop — Locker 24 is open. That locker has been shut for over two decades, and no one is allowed to talk about it or ask about it. . . and certainly not touch it. But Emily’s heard the rumors. She knows she should report it immediately. As a straight-A student and yearbook editor, Emily always does the right thing. But this time she just can’t. Instead, she finds herself unable to resist looking in the forbidden locker — and begins a journey that will change her life forever. 

As the yearbook editor, Emily believes it is her responsibility to create a yearbook that accurately reflects the perfection of her junior high. At first, Emily is so busy with schoolwork and other extracurricular activities that she doesn’t notice anything outside of herself. This all changes when she looks into Locker 24. For some reason, the locker’s past owner, Adriana, is trying to communicate with Emily. Even though Emily doesn’t want anything to do with Locker 24, her curiosity leads her to research Adriana. The mystery behind the locker propels the plot forward, and the actions of the past are connected to events currently unfolding at Emily’s middle school, allowing the reader to see that bullying has been and continues to be an often-overlooked problem.  

Emily is portrayed as a typical popular kid who is perfect and always wants to do the right thing. Despite this, Emily is neither judgmental nor arrogant. However, when she begins to research Locker 24, Emily realizes that she has a major flaw—she is completely focused on herself and her desire to portray junior high in a positive light. With Adriana’s help, Emily notices Hailey, who doesn’t have friends. Emily eventually steps in to protect Hailey from a group of bullies. However, Emily doesn’t stop there; the conclusion hints that Emily and Hailey will become friends, something that Hailey desperately needs. 

The Secret of Locker 24 is a compelling mystery that highlights the lasting impact of bullying. Both Adriana and Hailey give readers an understanding that being kind to others isn’t enough. Emily points out, “Okay, maybe I’m not actually doing the bullying myself. But that doesn’t mean I’m totally blameless. I still saw it. I still heard about it. And I did nothing. Nothing.” In the end, Emily steps up and stops Hailey from being bullied, demonstrating both compassion and courage. But more importantly, Emily befriends Hailey. This suggests that Hailey’s life will significantly improve because Emily took the time to notice what was going on around her. 

As part of the West 44 collection, The Secret of Locker 24 features a straightforward plot that employs simple language, appealing to students who may be overwhelmed by challenging vocabulary and complex sentences. The book enables students to explore bullying in a safe and age-appropriate manner, facilitating meaningful discussions. The hi-lo format makes the West 44 collection perfect for struggling readers.  

The Secret of Locker 24 is a fast-paced and suspenseful book that has many positive life lessons. Emily’s life seems a little too perfect—she’s a straight-A student, has two loving and supportive parents, and is liked by her peers. Despite this, Emily is a likable character who shows character growth. Emily’s eyes are opened to the problem of bullying, and she realizes that “asking for what you need isn’t a sign of weakness.” Readers who enjoy The Secret of Locker 24 should also read Haze by Erin Thomas. 

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• Emily’s mom remembers Adriana, a girl she knew from middle school. Emily’s mom said, “She met some of the other kids from school at the mall. Some real jerks. It was all a setup. I don’t know what happened, exactly, but I heard she was never the same after that.” 
• Adriana was not only bullied by some of the kids in school, but some of the teachers were mean to her as well. “The kids said mean things to her or threw things at her. . . And the people who worked at the school would be nasty to her, too.” 
• When Adriana was walking down the hallway, a teacher said, “Where do you buy your clothes, Adriana? From the mall on Mars?. . . Is that how you wanted to wear your hair today? Or did a crow get stuck in it?”

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None

Language  

• Emily’s mom talks about a person she knew in middle school. Emily’s mom says, “Truthfully, most kids thought she was a freak.” 

Supernatural 

• One day at school, Emily notices that Locker 24 is open. Because of the rumors regarding the locker, Emily closes it. But then, the next day, it is open again. Emily realizes that the locker had only been open when Emily was alone in the hallway. Emily discovers that Adriana, the last person who used the locker, died “the same day. . . that [Emily] found the locker open.” 
• Emily starts talking to the locker. “Then, just as Emily was about to walk away, the door began to open further. . . the door moved by itself.” As Emily looks at the contents of the locker, she sees a movie ticket stub. As Emily reads the ticket, the locker closes by itself, “the lock firmly back in place.” 
• Emily helps Hailey, a girl who was being bullied. Afterward, “the heart sticker that had been on the inside of Adriana’s locker door was now on [Emily’s]. And the single word that was printed on it seemed more important than ever—love.”

Spiritual Content  

• None