Just Right Jillian

HarperCollins/Versify (2022) | Recognized on six state lists | Cooperative Children’s Book Center’s best of the year, CCBC Choices 2023 | Bank Street College of Education’s Children’s Book Committee’s Best Children’s Books of the Year 2023

Fifth grader Jillian will do just about anything to blend in, including staying quiet even when she has the right answer. After she loses a classroom competition because she won’t speak up, she sets her mind on winning her school’s biggest competition.

But breaking out of her shell is easier said than done, and Jillian has only a month to keep her promise to her grandmother and prove to herself that she can speak up and show everyone her true self.

A warm and relatable middle grade debut novel about family, friendship, and finding the confidence to break free from the crowd and be who you truly are.

For fans of Kate DiCamillo, Renée Watson, and Barbara O’Connor.

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“…instantly relatable to anyone who has ever felt shy or small.” —School Library Journal

“A heartwarming novel about developing the courage to stop hiding.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Relatable and emotional” —Booklist

“Brilliant…Readers will cheer for Jillian”—Horn Book

“Excellent pick for middle graders” —BCCB