Nobody ever said high school was boring - or easy. Everyone searches for their place - some do their best to fit in, others thrive in standing out. From new-kid status to dealing with bullies and impossible parents, from coming face-to-face with weird Martians to being accused of murder on the very first day of school, the high school years are... unforgettable. Tales From the Trenches is a collection of five Young Adult short stories across genres: First Impressions , Unexpected Consequences , The Lucia Crown , Let Them Eat Cake , and The Art of Pretending .