May 2014, Chronicle, 220 pp
Twelve-year-old Maggie lives in a house too small for all the big problems plaguing a shy girl just trying to survive adolescence armed with Little Debbies and deep thoughts. When her father’s legs permanently fall asleep, she’s forced out of her shell and into a relationship with her family that she never expected. And just like that, wearing a training bra doesn’t seem like such a huge deal.
STARRED REVIEWS
BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS – “Written with skill and sensitivity, this precocious and poignant story of familial love will make good company for those readers dealing with health issues in their home lives, as well as those wanting a smart, refreshing voice to take them on a meaningful journey.”
SHELF AWARENESS FOR READERS – “Maggie is a firecracker character, one who sparkles with wit, cynicism, love and potential. Her voice will charm and captivate readers.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – “Readers will appreciate Maggie’s humor and rejoice in her growth. This is a remarkable story of a working-class family pulling together in the face of a serious illness.”
KIRKUS – “Smart, sensitive, sad and funny.”
BOOKPAGE – “The Meaning of Maggie does for middle-grade fiction what John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars did for teen literature: Both portray coping with serious illness as one aspect of a complex character, not as the single issue that defines them.”
INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS
Portuguese | Editora Revan |
NOTE: This book was sold at auction; second book under contract