“Starring a sweet and messy kid tackling problems that will bring laughter and tears, Honestly Elliott has all the ingredients for a memorable story.” ―Lynne Kelly, author of SONG FOR A WHALE

“McDunn is a master at creating characters that are fun, flawed, and above all, real. Full of humor and heart, Honestly Elliott is honestly and truly middle-grade at its best.” ―Jess Redman, author of THE MIRACULOUS and THE ADVENTURE IS NOW

“A novel full of heart, humor, and honesty. . . . Elliot is an instantly lovable character, and readers will be hooked from the very first chapter.” ―School Library Journal, starred review

“McDunn has a talent for creating sympathetic characters. . . . This well-paced, heartfelt chapter book offers a lovable main character, a lively supporting cast, and a satisfying conclusion.” ―Booklist, starred review

“McDunn (These Unlucky Stars) offers an affirming and nuanced depiction of empathetic and creative Elliott's experience of ADHD. . . . Elliott's relationship with his father, from whom he craves acceptance despite his dad's failure to acknowledge Elliott's specific challenges, is particularly inspiring as the two work toward openness and understanding.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“In a droll, engaging, self-effacing, and disarmingly open voice, Elliott narrates his story, providing realistic, firsthand insights into living with ADHD. A refreshingly honest exploration of family and friendship.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“A slice-of-pie, er, -life novel with all the right ingredients for a satisfying read.” ―The Horn Book

“Middle schoolers will laugh, and maybe even cry, as they follow along with Elliott as he stumbles through his days and finally finds a place of comfort for his warm heart and special way of approaching life. This title will be a winner for any reader looking for a story that reads like it could be about a real kid they might know.” ―School Library Connection

“McDunn offers a warmhearted, nuanced look at a slightly lonely child. . . . genuine and engaging. . . . Heartfelt and appealing.” ―Kirkus Reviews, on THESE UNLUCKY STARS

“McDunn portrays the intertwined emotional lives of middle-school kids with sensitivity and precision. . . . An insightful story of friendship and change.” ―Booklist, starred review, on THE QUEEN BEE AND ME

“Meg's first-person narration is emotive and candid. . . . Refreshingly genuine.” ―Kirkus Reviews on THE QUEEN BEE AND ME

“McDunn deftly sketches Meg's struggles amid seventh grade's unspoken social order. . . . Readers will identify with the pitch-perfect middle school dynamics.” ―Publishers Weekly on THE QUEEN BEE AND ME

“An engaging, honest book--I love Cat, and you will, too!” ―Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Newbery Honor-winning author of THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE on CATERPILLAR SUMMER

“I could almost smell the ocean air as I read Gillian McDunn's Caterpillar Summer. What a beautiful story of family, forgiveness, life on an island, and growing up.” ―Kate Messner, author of BREAKOUT and THE SEVENTH WISH on CATERPILLAR SUMMER

“An engrossing, heartwarming, beautifully written debut about building and rebuilding family ties.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on CATERPILLAR SUMMER

“McDunn's poignant, gratifying debut about friendship and family encourages both empathy and hope.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review, on CATERPILLAR SUMMER

Gillian McDunn is the award-winning author of Caterpillar Summer, The Queen Bee and Me, These Unlucky Stars, Honestly Elliott, the Schneider Family Book Award Honor winner, When Sea Becomes Sky, and Trouble at the Tangerine. Her books have been Parents magazine best book of the year, Kirkus Reviews best book of the year, and Junior Library Guild, IndieNext, and Bank Street College of Education Best Books selections. When she isn't reading or writing, she is probably trying a new recipe, playing a board game, or learning something new. She lives near Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, children, and a very silly dog named Friday.
www.gillianmcdunn.com
@gillianmcdunn