Honestly Elliott

(Hardback)

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Description

Highly-acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer, Gillian McDunn explores boyhood in a funny, big-hearted story about a kid trying to find the best way to be his best self. Elliott has been struggling since his closest friend moved away, and hes not too sure where he fits into his own family, especially since his newly remarried dad and stepmom are expecting a baby. His grades arent too great, hes always forgetting things, and he doesnt really like sports. All together, the result is someone the complete opposite of his dad--a fact theyre both very aware of. Elliotts only solace is cooking, where he can control the outcome, testing exciting recipes and watching his favorite cooking shows. When hes paired with the super smart and popular Maribel for a school-wide project, Elliott worries they wont see eye to eye. But Maribel is also looking for a new way to show others her true self and this project could be the chance theyve both been waiting for. Sometimes the least likely friends help you see a new side to things . . . and sometimes you have to make a few mistakes before you figure out whats right. Acclaim for Caterpillar Summer An Indies Introduce Pick A Texas Bluebonnet Selection A Parents Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year An Amazon Best Book of the Year

Reviews

Starring a sweet and messy kid tackling problems that will bring laughter and tears, Honestly Elliott has all the ingredients for a memorable story. * Lynne Kelly, author of SONG FOR A WHALE *
McDunn is a master at creating characters that are fun, flawed, and above all, real. Full of humor and heart, Honestly Elliott is honestly and truly middle-grade at its best. * Jess Redman, author of THE MIRACULOUS and THE ADVENTURE IS NOW *
McDunn offers a warmhearted, nuanced look at a slightly lonely child. . . . genuine and engaging. . . . Heartfelt and appealing. * Kirkus Reviews, on THESE UNLUCKY STARS *
McDunn portrays the intertwined emotional lives of middle-school kids with sensitivity and precision. . . . An insightful story of friendship and change. * Booklist, starred review, on THE QUEEN BEE AND ME *
Meg's first-person narration is emotive and candid. . . . Refreshingly genuine. * Kirkus Reviews on THE QUEEN BEE AND ME *
McDunn deftly sketches Megs struggles amid seventh grades unspoken social order. . . . Readers will identify with the pitch-perfect middle school dynamics. * Publishers Weekly on THE QUEEN BEE AND ME *
An engaging, honest book--I love Cat, and you will, too! * Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Newbery Honor-winning author of THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE on CATERPILLAR SUMMER *
I could almost smell the ocean air as I read Gillian McDunn's Caterpillar Summer. What a beautiful story of family, forgiveness, life on an island, and growing up. * Kate Messner, author of BREAKOUT and THE SEVENTH WISH on CATERPILLAR SUMMER *
An engrossing, heartwarming, beautifully written debut about building and rebuilding family ties. * Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on CATERPILLAR SUMMER *
McDunns poignant, gratifying debut about friendship and family encourages both empathy and hope. * Publishers Weekly, starred review, on CATERPILLAR SUMMER *

Author Bio

Gillian McDunn is the author of These Unlucky Stars, The Queen Bee and Me, and Caterpillar Summer, which received two starred reviews, and was selected for the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List, and Kirkus Reviews and Parents magazine Best Books of the Year lists. When she isnt reading or writing, she is probably baking gluten-free treats, traveling, or spending time with her family. She lives near Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and children, and a very silly dog named Friday. www.gillianmcdunn.com @gillianmcdunn