“I Love My Lizard Brain” (Sweet Valley High #69, Friend Against Friend)

**Content warning: graphic racial violence**This week, we have a complicated book and a roller coaster of an episode. Our text follows Neil, a White teenager who develops increasingly racist perspectives and gradually turns against his Black friend Andy until things reach a head in a highly upsetting climax. Meanwhile, Sweet Valley High is having a broader reckoning about inequality when the results of a recent student survey reveal widespread grievances on everything from funding for women’s sports to racism in history class. Liz is even planning a “racial awareness seminar!” DEI, bitch!Join us for a wide-ranging discussion of the psychology of White racism, Pardo’s Pap smear,  and whether it’s offensive to not be attracted to your doctor, in “I Love My Lizard Brain” (Sweet Valley High #69, Friend Against Friend).**Content warning: graphic racial violence**