Award-winning author Wendelin Van Draanen gives us a fresh and funny story about a boy learning to become the brave hero of his own life. Perfect for fans of Counting by 7s and The Fourteenth Goldfish.
My secret life is filled with psychic vampires, wheelchair zombies, chain-rattlin’ ghosts, and a one-eyed cat. But they’re nothing compared to my real-life stalker: a sixth-grade girl named Kandi Kain …
Lincoln Jones is always working on the latest story he’s got going in his notebook. Those stories are his refuge. A place where the hero always prevails and the bad guy goes to jail. Real life is messy and complicated, so Lincoln sticks to fiction and keeps to himself. Which works fine until a nosy girl at his new school starts prying into his private business. She wants to know what he’s writing, where he disappears to after school, and why he never talks to anybody.
The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones is a terrifically funny and poignant story about a boy finding the courage to get to know the real characters all around him—and to let them know him.
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“Narrator J. B. Adkins’ Southern accent is apparent but not overly dramatic. He uses this nuance to capture eleven-year-old Lincoln Jones, who is mocked by his new classmates for his drawl. Adkins also captures Lincoln’s humorous takes on life and his habit of hiding the truth…Adkins also reflects Lincoln’s emotional development as he comes to understand his mother’s difficult situation, the heartbreaking condition of dementia, the harsh realities of aging and death, and the necessity to be honest with others and with himself.”
— AudioFile
Winnner of the Josette Frank AwardThis award for fiction honors a book of outstanding literary merit in which children or young people deal in a positive and realistic way with difficulties in their world and grow emotionally and morally.
Van Draanen's engaging story is characterized by clever writing, a palpable affection for her characters, and a deep understanding of what's important about life. Readers will love Lincoln Jones.
— Kirkus ReviewsVan Draanen skillfully wraps up her tale, offering a realistically happy ending. A story with a perfect balance of mirth and poignancy.
— School Library JournalVan Draanen effectively portrays the frustrations of aging and memory loss through a mix of humor, sharp-eyed observations, and compassion. It’s a moving coming-of-age story about creating new and unexpected connections.
— Publishers WeeklyLincoln is a delightful narrator.
— BooklistA sweet and ultimately positive family drama.
— BulletinBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Wendelin Van Draanen is the author of many beloved and award-winning books. For middle graders, she’s written Swear to Howdy and the Sammy Keyes mystery series. For teens and tweens, there’s Flipped, The Running Dream, Confessions of a Serial Kisser, and Runaway. And for younger readers, check out the Shredderman quartet and the Gecko and Sticky series.