When Autumn becomes the secret voice of the advice column in her middle school newspaper, she is faced with a dilemma—can she give fair advice to everyone, including her friends, while keeping her identity a secret?Starting middle school is rough for Autumn after her one and only BFF moves to California. Uncertain and anxious, she struggles to connect with her new classmates. The two potential friends she meets could not be more different: bold Logan who has big ideas and quiet Cooper who's a bit mysterious. But Autumn has a dilemma: what do you do when the new friends you make don't like each other?
When Autumn is picked to be the secret voice of the Dear Student letters in the Hillview newspaper, she finds herself smack in the middle of a problem, with Logan and Cooper on opposite sides. But before Autumn can figure out what to do, the unthinkable happens. Her secret identity as Dear Student is threatened. Now, it's time for Autumn to find her voice and her courage and follow her heart, even when it's divided.
On sale: February 14, 2023
Age: 10 and up
Grade: Grades 6-8
Page count: 304 Pages
ISBN: 9780593374153
Reading level: Lexile: HL610L | Fountas/Pinnell: T
Elly Swartz grew up in Yardley, Pennsylvania. She studied psychology at Boston University and received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Elly lives in Massachusetts and is happily married with two grown sons, a beagle named Lucy, and a pup named Baxter Bean.
Finding Perfect, called "a clear, moving portrayal of obsessive-compulsive disorder" by
Publishers Weekly, was her debut novel. She is also the author of
Smart Cookie and
Give and Take.
Praise for
Dear Student:
"Tweens won’t be able to put down this heartfelt story with a fresh plot, vibrant characters, and even a recipe for whoopie pies."—
Parents magazine
"A heartfelt story about finding the courage to stand up for your beliefs even when you’d rather remain invisible."—
Kirkus Review
"A heartfelt, authentic book about friendship, courage, and honesty. It’s about finding – and more importantly,
owning – your own voice.”—LYNDA MULLALY HUNT,
New York Times bestselling author of
Fish in a Tree
“A story that shines with honesty and heart.”—PADMA VENKATRAMAN, Walter Award–winning author of
The Bridge “
Dear Student will resonate with readers who know that
feelings and
friendships can be complicated, and they will root for Autumn as she searches for her true superpower.”—DIANE DEBROVNER, deputy editor of
Parents magazine
