A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2020 An own-voices LGBTQ novel from the acclaimed author of Hurricane Season, about eighth grader Brie, who learns how to be true to herself and to her relationships with family, friends, and faith.Introducing Brie Hutchens: soap opera super fan, aspiring actor, and so-so student at her small Catholic school. Brie has big plans for eighth grade. She s going to be the star of the school play and convince her parents to let her go to the performing arts high school. But when Brie s mom walks in on her accidentally looking at some possibly inappropriate photos of her favorite actress, Brie panics and blurts out that she s been chosen to crown the Mary statue during her school s May Crowning ceremony. Brie s mom is distracted with pride but Brie s in big trouble: she has not been chosen. No one has, yet. Worse, Brie has almost no chance to get the job, which always goes to a top student. Desperate to make her lie become truth, Brie turns to Kennedy, the girl everyone expects to crown Mary. But sometimes just looking at Kennedy gives Brie butterflies. Juggling her confusing feelings with the rapidly approaching May Crowning, not to mention her hilarious non-star turn in the school play, Brie navigates truth and lies, expectations and identity, and how to finally make her mother really see her as she is.

About the Author
Nicole Melleby is a born-and-bred Jersey girl with a passion for storytelling. She studied creative writing at Fairleigh Dickinson University and currently teaches creative writing and literature courses with a handful of local universities. When she s not writing, she can be found browsing the shelves at her local comic shop or watching soap operas with a cup of tea.


Book Information
ISBN 9781616209070
Author Nicole Melleby
Format Hardback
Page Count 272
Imprint Algonquin Young Readers
Publisher Workman Publishing
Weight(grams) 300g