A dyslexic bookworm joins her school’s cheerleading squad to investigate her sister’s strange behavior in this insightful and sharp middle grade novel about the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
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“A charming, entertaining, and true book…I would follow Dee’s advice any time.” —Gayle Forman, author of Frankie & Bug and Not Nothing
With charm and sincerity reminiscent of Judy Blume and Rebecca Stead, this debut middle grade novel is a “compassionate” (Kirkus Reviews), hopeful story about a girl finding herself through secretly giving out advice to classmates.
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Reviews of Happy & Sad & Everything True
Alex Thayer’s delightful debut could not be more perfectly named. I experienced all the feels watching Dee navigate mean-girl cliques, lose her best friend, handle her eccentric single mother (who is maybe dating her PE teacher) all the while staying open to new possibilities. A charming, entertaining, and true book that gently illustrates how so many of life’s problems can be improved by a large dollop of generosity. I would follow Dee’s advice any time.
-Gayle Forman, author of Frankie & Bug, Not Nothing, and the #1 New York Times bestseller If I Stay
Any kid who’s ever hidden in the bathroom will wish they had a Dee to whisper with.
-The Bulletin of the Center of Children’s Books
Debut author Thayer skillfully and authentically captures the often-painful social transitions of middle school. In a satisfying growth arc, quiet, kind Dee comes out of her shell, realizing she’s worth more than the judgments of others made her believe... A compassionate window into the awkward and isolating stages of growing up.
-Kirkus Reviews
Thayer champions the positive impact of Dee’s kindness while demonstrating how ignoring her own anxieties also makes helping others more difficult. Most touching is an investigation of the parental impact on a child’s views: after witnessing the negative behaviors that her peers inherited from their parents, Dee grows to appreciate her unconventional mother’s support and the empathy she’s been taught.
-The Horn Book
Thayer’s debut novel brings readers to an authentic view of junior high, with its daily drama and moments of discovery... A solid purchase for libraries with a following for authors like Kate DiCamillo and Rebecca Stead.
-Booklist
Happy & Sad & Everything True has a sincere earnestness that brings you right back to the halls of middle school. Kids will absolutely love this sweet-yet-strong story.
-Claire Swinarski, author of What Happened to Rachel Riley?
"Emotionally honest and funny. A winning combination!"
– Jennifer Blecher, author of CAMP FAMOUS