Just Like That
In this unforgettable, gently humorous novel, New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt tells two poignant, linked stories: that of a grieving girl and a boy trying to escape his violent past.
Meryl Lee Kowalski is sent to a girls' boarding school in fall 1968 to move on from her grief over a close friend's death. Matt Coffin is on the run from a criminal gang, afraid that anyone he cares about is at risk. When their paths cross, the pair's connection begins to shape each of their lives. As their loneliness is gradually replaced by friendship, Meryl Lee finds unexpected allies and a sense of purpose, while Matt finds a new family and hope for the future.
This riveting novel is Wednesday Wars author Gary D. Schmidt at his best, weaving in powerful themes and raising tears and laughter in equal measure.
"Set in 1968, Just Like That is part of an outstanding series that began with Newbery Honor recipient The Wednesday Wars and continued in Okay for Now, a finalist for the National Book Award. While each book can be read separately, overlapping characters and themes enrich each other in understated and often profound ways." (BookPage starred review)
Author: Gary D. Schmidt
Publisher: Clarion Books
Published: 01/05/2021
Pages: 400
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.80w x 1.50d
ISBN: 9780544084773
Audience: Ages 9-12
Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.9
Point Value: 15
Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus
Quiz #/Name: 510307 / Just Like That
Review Citation(s):
Booklist 09/01/2020 pg. 104
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2020
School Library Journal 11/01/2020 pg. 60
Publishers Weekly 11/09/2020
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2021
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2021 pg. 116
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2021 - Superior,Well Above Average
About the Author
Gary D. Schmidt is the best-selling author of Pay Attention, Carter Jones; Orbiting Jupiter; the Newbery Honor and Printz Honor book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; the Newbery Honor book The Wednesday Wars; and Okay for Now. He is a professor of English at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. hmhbooks.com/schmidt