Greta - J. S. Lemon

Fish in a Tree meets Fighting Words in J. S. Lemon’s middle grade debut, a fiercely original story about friendship, healing, and the beauty of transformation.

“What new classics should look like. A strange and beautiful tale . . . This story will spark important discussions.” —Newbery Medalist Donna Barba Higuera

Greta Goodwin’s life is changing. On top of moving to a new neighborhood far away from her best friend, Lotti, she’s also starting middle school. Greta isn’t totally ready for boys, bras, and the chaotic cafeteria. She still feels like a little kid compared to those female classmates who have suddenly matured over the summer. Girls who are now the talk of the school—unlike Greta, who would rather fly under the radar, especially after a bad haircut that makes her look less “effortlessly beautiful” and more “triangle with legs.”

But at her first-ever middle-school party, a boy does pay attention to Greta. Initially it feels good. And then it feels awful. In the aftermath, Greta can’t make sense of what’s happened, let alone talk about it, even to Lotti. Impossibly, Greta’s body starts to change in a vastly different way from everyone else’s. What follows leads Greta to believe the world might finally see her as she truly is: ethereal, powerful, and free.

Sensitively told, stunningly written, and surprisingly funny, Greta will transform readers just as Greta herself is transformed.

Kirkus Reviews 150 Most Anticipated Books of the Fall

“What new classics should look like. A strange and beautiful tale that will bring transformation not only to Greta, but those who have veiled secrets. This story will spark important discussions, a read to share in groups.” —Newbery Medalist Donna Barba Higuera

"Greta is a thought-provoking, heartfelt, and hopeful coming-of-age novel about the power of friendship and the possibility of healing. A highly imaginative, compelling story that will take readers on a life-changing journey." —Bestselling author Alyson Gerber

“This peculiar tale is a pitch-perfect encapsulation of middle school. Lemon demonstrates a deep understanding of the richness and intensity of adolescent friendship . . . Friendship, healing, and being at peace with one’s self are at the heart of this moving and original story.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Greta’s sarcasm and wit throughout, combined with her beautiful friendship with Lotti, bring a necessary balance to a challenging story. In the end, Greta has fully, satisfyingly transformed into a winged creature; untouchable and free.” —Horn Book

“Written in a comic, quick, contemporary style, this combines common themes of growing up and the inherent stresses of adolescence with a fantasy element that begs the questions: Is there a different way to grow up, and can you choose to literally be perfectly in your own skin? . . . Using humor and a leap of fantastical faith, while sparely and sensitively exploring complex experiences (including a troubling incident concerning consent), Greta’s story will appeal to readers experiencing their own times of transition.” —Booklist