Gut Reaction

Eighth grader Tess Medina is wrestling with the death of her father three years prior. She throws herself into baking, hoping it will keep her close to him, since he taught her everything she knows. Maybe it will even score her some friends. When she's invited to compete in the Jubilee Flour 10th Anniversary Junior Baker West Coast competition, though, Tess hesitates. Money is tight enough as it is without trying to afford practice ingredients and other preparation necessities, her grades are so poor her mother might not let her go anyway, and the last time she participated in the competition, her dad died during the event. Complicating matters more is the sharp pain in her stomach that causes Tess discomfort and prompts frequent trips to the bathroom. Bolstered by new friends, Tess starts a dog-walking job and begins preparing for the competition. But as the physical pain worsens, she struggles to continue pretending that everything is okay. Larson (the Shermy and Shake series) and debut author Wyatt depict Tess's eventual Crohn's disease diagnosis with empathy and insight inspired by Wyatt's own experiences. Tess's engaging and humorous voice tempers melancholy explorations of grief, as when Tess texts her dad's old phone even as she hides her sadness from her family. Tess defaults to white; supporting characters are racially diverse. Ages 8-12. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary. (Mar.)

Praise for Gut Reaction:

A powerful story about living with a disease and not letting it define who you are. — Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Two Degrees

Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt have cooked up a rich, warm story about Crohn's Disease, courage, and cookies. The voice is heartfelt and authentic, leavened with humor and, oh my frog, delicious desserts. Gut Reaction is a wonderful book about important things, and I recommend it highly. — Karen Cushman, author of the Newbery Award winning The Midwife's Apprentice

A multi-layered, straight-from-the-heart story written with a light, deft touch, Gut Reaction will inspire readers to pursue their creative passions. I loved this touching, sweet, and engaging book! — Barbara Dee, award-winning author of Unstuck

Sweet and delicious! You will gobble up this book in one bite! — Jennifer L. Holm, New York Times bestselling author of The Fourteenth Goldfish

Gut Reaction is a much-needed and important book for everyone: those suffering with Crohn's disease, their family and friends who want to help them, and for all the rest who need to understand...Toss in a handful of lovable and diverse characters and an edge-of-your-seat cooking competition and Gut Reaction is a recipe for success. — Barbara O'Connor, author of How To Steal A Dog and Wish

Gut Reaction is a poignant, triumphant tale about living with chronic illness, overcoming loss and reaffirming joy and self-love. Tess is funny, relatable, brave, and an awesome baker! — Jewell Parker Rhodes, NYT Bestselling author of Ghost Boys and Treasure Island: Runaway Gold

I loved Gut Reaction from the first line. It made me feel the same way I felt when I ready my canon Judy Blume books, Blubber and Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret because the writers have taken the weirdness that is the changing human body and made it 1) okay to talk about and 2) safe to talk about. . . a joy to read. — Natalie Lloyd, author of A Snicker of Magic and Hummingbird

I would have finished Gut Reaction in one swoop—but I didn't want it to end. I especially loved the baking connection, but the story's honesty, the humor and the friendships added so many layers. If the topic seems serious—and it is, the way Tess struggles to accept her illness will resonate with readers. Tess Medina is an inspiration. Her story will be one you'll remember long after that last page is turned. — Augusta Scattergood, author of Glory Be, and The Way To Stay In Destiny

Great British Baking Show meets Guts by Raina Telgemeier. Entertaining and informative. Really put me inside the mind of a level-headed fourteen-year-old forced to deal with one awkward and humiliating situation after another. — Gennifer Choldenko, Newbery Honor author of Al Capone Does My Shirts, and coauthor of Dogtown with Katherine Applegate

I absolutely adored Gut Reaction. Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt take on a tricky topic, and do it terrifically. A sweetly satisfying story with a pitch-perfect protagonist, Gut Reaction is all heart. — Dan Gemeinhart, author of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise and The Midnight Children

"n case there is any doubt about the impact of Gut Reaction, the title says it all. This marvel of a book delivers the felt experience of a body in rebellion and a heart struggling to heal from loss...Gut Reaction creates ripples that extend beyond the page, leaving room for the reader to make their own meaning about loss, pain, identity and self-worth. Although it tackles a difficult topic, this is not an issue book; that is, unless being a teenager living in a stressful world with a body that sends incomprehensible messages is an issue—in which case, this is an everybody book. — Grier Jewell, author of Astrid at Risk

Those of us who struggle with gastrointestinal symptoms and diagnoses know what a day to day struggle they impose upon us. Growing up is hard enough; experiences like those which Tess faces regularly compound the struggle. With grace and honesty...Larson & Wyatt tackle a narrative which provides a lens into the day-to-day life of Tess, who is dealing with not only loss, but also stomach problems...This is a story of courage; bravery; persistence. No matter what unique diagnoses and challenges life has dealt. — Dr. Dylan C. Teut, director Plum Creek Literary Festival

Gut Reaction weaves the tender topic of IBD with threads of friendship, secrets, and bravery into a blanket of empowerment...This wonderful story should be in every middle school library. — Sylvia Tag, Youth Literature Librarian, Western Washington University

Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt... use humor, hope, and a baking competition to remind us that family and friends are there for you when life throws you a "Whopper." This book will touch your heart! A must read! —Heather Jensen, 5th grade teacher, Harrison Community Schools

Praise for Code Word Courage:

With background research, including interviews with Navajo code talkers, and a knack for generating a heartwarming, genuine story, Larson seamlessly weaves the lives of the characters into the fabric of the 1944-45 home front setting. — Booklist

Remarkable, engaging and highly enjoyable historical fiction for young adults as well as all readers. — Historical Novel Society

A story of loneliness, loss, friendship, and identity. — School Library Journal

World War II continues to be a topic that fascinates young readers, and Code Word Courage will keep those obsessed with the era reading happily. — YA Books Central

Praise for Liberty:

* Larson once again creates an engaging story that is rich in historical details. She purposefully captures both the fear and the hope in a world torn by war as well as the simple love of a boy for his dog. Practically perfect. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

A slice-of-life tale for historical fiction fans and animal lovers alike. — School Library Journal

Praise for Dash:

Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

* Emotionally satisfying and thought-provoking. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* [A] trenchant novel. — Publishers Weekly, starred review

Praise for Duke:

* Exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally authentic. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* [An] incisive tale of loyalty, patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery. — Publishers Weekly, starred review

Praise for Audacity Jones to the Rescue:

* Larson's thriller deftly mixes humor, heart-pounding moments, and a strongly evoked historical setting — it's truly a story with something for everyone. — Publishers Weekly, starred review

* The story's themes of trust, friendship, and good manners will resonate with many. Audacity's charm and smarts make this historical adventure a winner. — Booklist, starred review

Praise for Audacity Jones Steals the Show:

A suspenseful little mystery with heart. — Kirkus Reviews

This caper is magical. — Booklist

Praise for Hattie Big Sky:

A Newbery Honor Recipient

* [An] engaging historical novel... [Larson] creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters. — Booklist, starred review

* Larson... create[s] a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered. — School Library Journal, starred review