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Today we also celebrate the release of THANKS A LOT, UNIVERSE, a stunning middle grade novel by debut author Chad Lucas! Out today from Abrams, THANKS A LOT, UNIVERSE has garnered great reviews and accolades.
A moving middle-grade debut for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong.
Brian has always been anxious, whether at home, or in class, or on the basketball court. His dad tries to get him to stand up for himself and his mom helps as much as she can, but after he and his brother are placed in foster care, Brian starts having panic attacks. And he doesn’t know if things will ever be “normal” again . . . Ezra’s always been popular. He’s friends with most of the kids on his basketball team–even Brian, who usually keeps to himself. But now, some of his friends have been acting differently, and Brian seems to be pulling away. Ezra wants to help, but he worries if he’s too nice to Brian, his friends will realize that he has a crush on him . . .
But when Brian and his brother run away, Ezra has no choice but to take the leap and reach out. Both boys have to decide if they’re willing to risk sharing parts of themselves they’d rather hide. But if they can be brave, they might just find the best in themselves–and each other.
Praise for THANKS A LOT, UNIVERSE:
* “Featuring snappy dialogue from earnest tween voices, skillful prose guides this engrossing story from start to finish. The themes and social commentary found here are gentle and organic—never heavy-handed—and the plot’s antagonists are far from two-dimensional, expertly reflecting real-life human complexity for a middle-grade audience…Tenderhearted and bold.” * —Kirkus, Starred Review
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection!
“Thanks a Lot, Universe demonstrates how you don’t always know what your peers are going through, and how powerful kindness is. This honest portrayal of family trauma, changing friendships, and big emotions tugged at my heartstrings. Brian and Ezra will stick with me for a long time!”—Janae Marks, author of From The Desk of Zoe Washington
“Lucas concludes with a welcome touch of realism.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
McIntosh & Otis is sending our heartfelt congratulations to Chad! His incredible book can be found at Abrams, Barnes & Noble, Target, Bookshop.org, IndieBound, or your own favorite independent bookstore.
For book news, be sure to visit Chad on Twitter, Instagram, and his website!