*Amazon Editors’ Pick
*Amazon Best Books of November (Ages 9-12)
*Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books of the Year
*The Week Junior November Book Club Pick
*Project LIT Book Club Pick
*Winner 2023 Nerdy Book Club – Middle Grade Fiction
“Swartz’s latest is realistic fiction at its best.” SLJ starred review.”
–SLJ starred review
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“This is an incredible story of friendship, forgiveness, and loss. Readers will find it difficult to put down.”
“A warm testament to the healing power of mutual respect—and doughnuts.”
–Kirkus Starred Review
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*Danielle (Dani) and Eric are neighbors and best friends navigating the challenges of middle school, mean girls, social media fame, bullying, and crushes. Not to mention, a rift in their own friendship. Written in dual POV, the reader gets to hear from both Dani and Eric as they each tell their side.
Dani is strong, empowered and knows exactly what she wants—to be the first girl on the all-boys’ baseball team. She’s tired of hearing, “Blah, blah, blah, you’re good for a girl.”
Eric is loyal and goofy, loves crossword puzzles and Iron Man, and has ADHD. Unlike Dani, he has no idea what he wants, but is totally okay doing lots of different things.
They share a love of donuts and hotdogs and superheroes.
Until an accident happens on their annual camping trip. Dani’s injured and her dream is sidelined. Eric fears it’s all his fault.
Lies are told, secrets are kept, promises are made.
Dani drifts away from Eric, and in the end, learns it isn’t what you do that matters, but who you are.
Eric, defying expectations, takes on a big company to keep his promise to Dani and fight for justice and what he thinks is right. He learns what others see as a weakness in him, is really his superpower.
Both stories come together to breakdown stereotypes, and explore issues of guilt, and the healing power of forgiveness.
The real question is are you #TeamEric or #TeamDani?
“A warm testament to the healing power of mutual respect—and doughnuts.”
-Kirkus Starred Review
Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books of the Year
Swartz’s latest is realistic fiction at its best.”
-SLJ starred review
Amazon Editors’ Pick
Amazon Best Books November (Ages 9-12)
The Week Junior November Book Club Pick
Project LIT MG Book Club Pick Winner 2023 Nerdy Book Club – Middle Grade Fiction“This is an incredible story of friendship, forgiveness, and loss. Readers will find it difficult to put down.”
–Erin Entrada Kelly, 2018 Newbery Medal Winner for Hello, Universe and 2021 Newbery Honoree for We Dream of Space
“This novel has it all! Suspense, humor, and so much heart. Swartz perfectly captures the joys and pressures of being twelve. What does it mean to be a true friend? Can real friendship withstand anything? These forever questions are explored tenderly yet honestly in what’s sure to be a forever favorite book.”
–Jennifer Ziegler, author of Worser
“Best friends Dani and Eric have always been there for one another, but as they prepare to enter middle school, they realize that growing up sometimes means growing apart. During their annual camping trip, a devastating fire leaves Dani seriously injured and Eric left to grapple with the possibility that his own struggles with ADHD may have played a role in the disaster. As Dani fights to recover and find a way to keep playing the sport she loves, Eric is consumed by guilt and the fear that one terrible mistake will end up ruining everything he holds dear. With their friendship hanging in the balance, both Dani and Eric must confront a number of hidden truths that, while painful, are also key to unlocking the healing power of forgiveness. It’s impossible not to root for Eric and Dani as they navigate big feelings and the uncertainty of change. In Hidden Truths, Elly Swartz has delivered a timeless and poignant story that middle grade readers are sure to hold in their hearts for a very long time.”
–Jennifer LaGarde, Library-Literacy Mentor
“A gem of a middle-grade that deftly explores friendships and things left unsaid. Loved the alternating points of view, the short, well-paced chapters, and the unique character voices.”
–Lori Barber – Education Director, Anderson’s Bookshop
“Readers will resonate with the message about showing up first for yourself, and believing in the power to heal the heart.”
–Sydney Taylor Schmooze
Jason talks with author Elly Swartz about Hidden Truths, the journey of writing, and more work on the way.
