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A Publishers Weekly Most Anticipated Children's Book of Spring 2019An Amazon Best Book of the Month for April 2019
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A funny and fast-paced romp.
— The New York Times
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* "A story with massive heart... A book to make readers think, question, reach, laugh, and strive harder.
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
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* "A witty, tender, and utterly engaging modern school story that draws on the wisdom of the ages.
— School Library Journal, starred review
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* "Genuinely original, the novel offers thoughtful perspectives on friendship, accepting change, and the many rewarding guises of storytelling, as well as a fully gratifying ending that the characters don't see coming.
— Publishers Weekly, starred review
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* "A beautiful, powerful novel about embracing one's own great self, even--or especially--in middle school.
— Shelf Awareness, starred review
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Benjamin strikes a nice balance of
goofy, often physical comedy...with introspection...for a look at shifting middle-school identities and the strange chaos they bring.
— BCCB
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Takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery.
— School Library Connection
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Sympathetic.
— Booklist
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Wise and funny.
— The Wall Street Journal
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A middle school story to top all middle school stories.
— The Buffalo News
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An inspirational story about finding your place in an unfamiliar community and learning that normal is not always better.
— The Denver Post
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Laugh-out-loud funny.
— Horn Book
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You'll love this new favorite about being the new kid at school, and dealing with bullies, and becoming something different.
— Romper
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*"A painful story smartly told, Benjamin's first solo novel has appeal well beyond a middle school audience.
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
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*"Reminiscent of works by Jennifer L. Holm and Sharon Creech...a shining example of the highs and lows of early adolescence.
— Publishers Weekly, starred review
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*"Authentic and poignant...[a] superbly written, heartfelt novel.
— School Library Journal, starred review
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*"Clean, fluid writing that is highly accessible, yet rich with possibilities for discussion.... An uncommonly fine first novel.
— Booklist, starred review
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*"Just-right pacing, authentic voices and characters, beautifully crafted plot, and superb writing. Readers will find that this story lingers with them after the book is closed.
— VOYA, starred review
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There are...a lot of children who might not only benefit from this book but also find themselves deeply moved by it.
— New York Times Book Review
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“A story with massive heart…A book to make readers think, question, reach, laugh, and strive harder.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
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“Genuinely original, the novel offers thoughtful perspectives on friendship, accepting change, and the many rewarding guises of storytelling.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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“Benjamin strikes a nice balance of goofy, often physical comedy…with introspection…for a look at shifting middle-school identities and the strange chaos they bring.”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
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“A witty, tender, and utterly engaging modern school story that draws on the wisdom of the ages.”
— School Library Journal (starred review)
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“Takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery.”
— School Library Connection