Dear Sweet Pea

(Paperback)

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Description

The first middle grade novel from Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin (now a popular Netflix film), is a funny, heartwarming story perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead, Ali Benjamin, and Holly Goldberg Sloan. Four starred reviews!

Patricia Sweet Pea DiMarco wasnt sure what to expect when her parents announced they were getting a divorce. She never could have imagined that they would have the brilliant idea of living in nearly identical houses on the same street. In the one house between them lives their eccentric neighbor Miss Flora Mae, the famed local advice columnist behind Miss Flora Mae I

Dividing her time between two homes is not easy. And it doesnt help that at school, Sweet Pea is now sitting right next to her exbest friend, Kiera, a daily reminder of the friendship that once was. Things might be unbearable if Sweet Pea didnt have Oscarher new best friendand her fifteen-pound cat, Cheese.

Then one day Flora leaves for a trip and asks Sweet Pea to forward her the letters for the column. And Sweet Pea happens to recognize the handwriting on one of the envelopes.

What she decides to do with that letter sets off a chain of events that will forever change the lives of Sweet Pea DiMarco, her family, and many of the readers of Miss Flora Mae I

Reviews

Murphy creates a wonderfully realistic portrait of tween life in her first middle-grade novel. Sweet Pea is a treasure of a protagonist. ALA Booklist (starred review) Endearing and funny An excellent blend of eccentricity, humor, genuine sweetness, and mild drama. Kirkus Reviews(starred review) With gentle humor, ageless wisdom, and charming, genuine characters who represent a diversity of experiences, Murphys novel offers all the emotional highs and lows of pitch-perfect middle grade. Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Murphy succeeds yet again at crafting a touching, quotable coming-of-age story, this time exploring divorce, shifting friendships, crushes, queerness, and much more." School Library Journal (starred review) Full of cringe-worthy but funny seventh grade moments [theres also] plenty of room for more serious reflection about the people around her in her small Texas town, a cast diverse in ethnicity, sexual orientation, and body size as well as in attitudes. Horn Book Magazine Successfully handles tough topics with humor. Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books Dear Sweet Pea is atrulyirresistible story about a family in flux, brimming with humor and heart. Rebecca Stead, Newbery Award-winning author of When You Reach Me Praise for PUDDIN: Julie Murphy has created the platonic love story of a lifetime. I am wildly in love with Puddin. Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Leah on the Offbeat and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda Praise for PUDDIN: Murphys plot brims with unlikely friendships, irresistible romance, fabulous fat acceptance, and a kick-ass ending. Buoying. Kirkus Reviews(starred review) Praise for RAMONA BLUE: An exquisite, thoughtful exploration of the ties that bind and the fluidity of relationships, sexuality, and life. Kirkus Reviews(starred review) Praise for RAMONA BLUE: Julie Murphy knows a thing or two about navigating the worlds of girls on the brink of self-discovery. Booklist (starred review) Praise for DUMPLIN: Wills singular voice compels readers to think about all that goes into building-and destroying-self-esteem...Splendid Booklist (starred review) Praise for DUMPLIN: Murphy...successfully makes every piece of the storyDolly Parton superfans, first love, best-friend problems, an unlikely group of pageant entrants, female solidarity, self-acceptance, and Willowdeans complicated relationship with the mother...-count, weaving them together to create a harmonious, humorous, and thought-provoking whole. Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Author Bio

Julie Murphylives in North Texas with her husband, who loves her; her dog, who adores her; and her cats, who tolerate her. After several wonderful years in the library world, Julie now writes full-time. When she's not writing or reliving her reference desk glory days, she can be found watching made-for-TV movies, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza,or planning her next great travel adventure. She is also the author of the young adult novels,Puddin',Ramona Blue,Side EffectsMay Vary,andDumplin'(now a Netflix original film). This is her first book for middle-grade readers. You can visit Julie at www.juliemurphywrites.com.