Overview
A heartwarming middle grade novel about figuring out who you are when it seems like everyone else has already decided for you, for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Gary D. Schmidt. Nigel Binty has spent sixth grade trying to stick to a plan. His problem is the plan keeps changing in unexpected ways. His only friend has dropped him. His dad moved out two months ago. His anxiety isn't getting any better. None of that is part of the plan. When Glory Bea Medford (yes, that's her real name) turns up at school in March, she plans to keep the reason for her mid-year transfer a secret. Glory Bea prizes being truthful but having everyone find out her father embezzled money from his church was bad enough the first time around. She doesn't plan to go through that again. Told in two perspectives, with Glory Bea's chapters presented as unmailed letters to her incarcerated father, Shawn K. Stout uses warmth and humor to explore what happens when two sixth graders overwhelmed by major life changes cross paths.
Full Product Details
Author: Shawn K Stout
Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books
Imprint: Bound to Stay Bound Books
ISBN: 9798260507575
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 03 February 2026
Recommended Age: From 8 to 12 years
Audience:
Children/juvenile
,
Children / Juvenile
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Available To Order
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Reviews
Stout's latest is a genuine, believable look at the way a single connection can be redemptive, even in what can feel like the worst time of one's life. . . .Beautifully wrought; convincing, affirming, and entertaining. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Though Stout's novel deals with some heavy themes, it possesses great humor and heart, making it a joy to read. Glory Bea's sections are a particular delight, but readers will be rooting for both characters and their potential friendship. Upper-elementary and early-middle school readers who enjoy inspiring stories like Jacqueline Woodson's Harbor Me (2018) and Chris Baron's The Magical Imperfect (2021) should make plans to meet Nigel Binty and Glory Bea. --Booklist (starred review) The classroom scenes are realistic, drawing readers into a world they recognize. Nigel and Glory Bea are portrayed as nuanced, believable characters. . . . Their journey is heartwarming and relatable. . . . A charming coming-of-age story featuring realistically portrayed children who are facing life's challenges. --School Library Journal Nigel's anxiety and Glory Bea's turbulent past are empathetically portrayed in this warm reflection on the power--and responsibility--of having and being a good friend. --Publishers Weekly Their personal stories are equally compelling, and the plot speeds along as they both try to sort out and accept who they are as people in spite of everyone around them. The characters, including secondary ones, are complex and believable. Sprinkled with funny moments as well as homages to books, authors, and the power of writing, this sincere book concludes with hope. --The Horn Book
Author Information
Shawn K. Stout is the author of several acclaimed books for young readers, including The Anatomy of Lost Things and The Impossible Destiny of Cutie Grackle, which was a Bank Street Best Book. Shawn is a science writer at the National Institutes of Health and holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She lives with her husband and daughter in Maryland. Visit her at shawnkstout.com.
