Absolutely, Positively Natty

by Lisa Greenwald (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Natty deals with moving after her mom's departure by pulling a "Ted Lasso" and starting a pep squad in this standalone middle-grade novel about friendship and toxic positivity by the author of TBH and the Friendship List series.

When Natty's mom kind of takes a break from her dad and sort of the whole family, Natty and her dad move to his childhood hometown of Miller Creek. Now she's starting middle school for the second time, this time in Miller Creek--without her mom--or her BFF. But Natty's doing great! Really. Anything is possible. And what's the point of dwelling on the stuff that stinks when there's so much good stuff to think about?

Natty is absolutely, positively sure that she can turn it all around. Like 1,000 percent sure. As long as she stays absolutely positive! She'll get her dad off the couch, make her tons of new friends, and even convince her mom to come live with them in Miller Creek. First step? Starting a pep squad to spread the good vibes.But what happens when the leader of the pep squad has no more cheer to give?

From Lisa Greenwald comes a heartfelt and reassuring novel about the pros and cons of always looking on the bright side, the ups and downs of making a fresh start, and the power of friendship.

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Kirkus

Readers . . . will commiserate with her pain and root for her all the way.

Review quotes

PRAISE FOR DEAR FRIENDS: Through her first-person narration, readers feel up close and personal with all Leni's emotions: the pain, the humor, and the shock. It's the rare individual who can take such an awkward, glorious deep dive, and readers will be grateful to go through everything with Leni as their guide. Uplifting. — Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR TBH, THIS IS SO AWKWARD: Get ready to fall in love with these girls who use their humor and wit (and lots and lots of emojis) to right wrongs and build bridges. — ALA Booklist

Greenwald successfully blends emojis and text to bring the high drama and emotional changes of middle school to life. This first in a new series for preteens and young teens who value friendship and doing the right thing is pretty endearing. — Kirkus Reviews

In this fine successor to Lauren Myracle's TTYL and its sequels, Greenwald (11 Before 12) realistically captures the language of texting tweens, including exuberant use of emoji, and how mistakes can be made and tone misunderstood amid rapid-fire digital conversations. — Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR FRIENDSHIP LIST #1: 11 BEFORE 12: This book will entice those who want to read about a relatable, funny young woman. — School Library Journal

Kaylan's first-person voice perfectly captures the horrors of starting at a new school, from the prospect of eating alone in the cafeteria to the awkwardness of meeting a new neighbor boy. — Kirkus Reviews

Lisa Greenwald
Lisa Greenwald lives in New York City with her husband and two young daughters. She loves sunglasses, reading, the beach, and sushi. She is the author of beloved series such as the TBH series, the Friendship List, and the Pink & Green series. Visit her at www.lisagreenwald.com.

Galia Bernstein was born and raised in Israel. Today, she is a full-time illustrator and author who also works in textile design and ceramics.Her debut author/illustrated picture book, I AM A CAT, was published by Abrams Books for Young Readers in 2018, received 3 star reviews, and was translated into 15 languages.Her second picture book, LEYLA, was published May 2019, with a starred review from PW, was named as a Summer 2019 Selection by the Junior Library Guild and was translated to 6 languages.​Galia lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Classification
-
ISBN-13
9780063062726
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Katherine Tegen Books
Publication date
May 09, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
Library of Congress categories
Friendship
United States
Schools
Jews
Dysfunctional families
Family problems
Middle schools
Psychological fiction
Attitude (Psychology)
School fiction
Attitude

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