A profoundly moving story, Just Like That follows two kids, who are both in precarious positions. One is dealing with the loss of a friend and the other has criminals following his every move. Meryl and Matt both must confront the demons that they live with while finding out who they are in the process. I loved how the humorous moments balanced out the more serious ones in this new book set in the world of Schmidt’s previous novels, The Wednesday Wars and Okay For Now.
— Lindsay A.
Description
In this poignant, perceptive, witty novel, Gary D. Schmidt brings authenticity and emotion to multiple plot strands, weaving in themes of grief, loss, redemption, achievement, and love. Following the death of her closest friend in summer 1968, Meryl Lee Kowalski goes off to St. Elene's Preparatory Academy for Girls, where she struggles to navigate the venerable boarding school's traditions and a social structure heavily weighted toward students from wealthy backgrounds. In a parallel story, Matt Coffin has wound up on the Maine coast near St. Elene's with a pillowcase full of money lifted from the leader of a criminal gang, fearing the gang's relentless, destructive pursuit. Both young people gradually dispel their loneliness, finding a way to be hopeful and also finding each other.
About the Author
Gary D. Schmidt is the best-selling author ofmany books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor and Printz Honor book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy and the Newbery Honor book The Wednesday Wars. He is a professor of English at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Praise For…
“Alternating between poignantm oments of humor, melancholy, and occasional suspense, Schmidt sensitively explores the various ways grief has of bringing people together.” – Kirkus, STARRED review
"An unforgettable story of loss, healing, and finding one’s way.” -Booklist, STARRED review
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