
A boy with ADHD finds unexpected friendship and self-discovery through a school project.
Elliott feels invisible after his best friend moves away and his dad focuses on sports. Cooking is his escape, but when paired with popular Maribel for a school project, he fears being underestimated. As they work together, both seek to reveal their true selves. Can this unlikely partnership help Elliott find where he truly belongs?
Highly-acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer, Gillian McDunn explores boyhood in a funny, big-hearted story about a kid trying to find the best way to be his best self. Elliott has been struggling since his closest friend moved away, and he’s not too sure where he fits into his own family, especially since his newly remarried dad and stepmom are expecting a baby. His grades aren’t too great, he’s always forgetting things, and he doesn’t really like sports. All together, the result is someone the complete opposite of his dad–a fact they’re both very aware of. Elliott’s only solace is cooking, where he can control the outcome, testing exciting recipes and watching his favorite cooking shows. When he’s paired with the super smart and popular Maribel for a school-wide project, Elliott worries they won’t see eye to eye. But Maribel is also looking for a new way to show others her true self and this project could be the chance they’ve both been waiting for. Sometimes the least likely friends help you see a new side to things . . . and sometimes you have to make a few mistakes before you figure out what’s right. Acclaim for Caterpillar SummerAn Indies Introduce PickA Texas Bluebonnet SelectionA Parents Best Book of the YearA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearAn Amazon Best Book of the Year
What families may want to know
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LGBTQ
When his parents divorce, the main character’s mom marries another woman.
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Top contributors: The Goodfather · Elaine R.