Hundred Percent [Hardcover]

The last year of elementary school is big for every kid. In this novel, equal parts funny and crushing, utterly honest and perfect for boys and girls alike, Christine Gouda faces change at every turn, starting with her own nickname—Tink—which just doesn't fit anymore. Readers will relate to this strong female protagonist whose voice rings with profound authenticity and absolute novelty, and her year's cringingly painful trials in normalcy—uncomfortable Halloween costumes, premature sleepover parties, crushed crushes, and changing friendships. Throughout all this, Tink learns, what you call yourself, and how you do it, hasa lotto do with who you are. This book marks beloved author Karen Romano Young's masterful return to children's literature: a heartbreakingly honest account of what it means to be between girl and woman, elementary and middle school, inside and out—and just what you name that in-between self.Karen Romano Young has written nearly two dozen books for children, and has illustrated several, including the groundbreaking graphic novelDoodlebugand its sequelStuck in the Middle (of Middle School). She lives in Connecticut. A lovely, lovely tale full of warmth, humor, and intelligence. -Kirkus Reviews, starred review Perfectly captures the emotions of middle schoolers and their evolving friendships and familial relationships. -School Library Journal, starred review This charming book sings for any girl who doubts herself as she leaves her childhood behind. --Houston Family Romano's characters jump off the page in a thoughtful and realistic look at what it means to be on the precipice of adolescence. -Publishers Weekly Readers will cheer for the sensitive, brave, fierce Tink as she tries to discover, and ultimately honor, herself. --Shelf Awareness for Readers, starred review A lovely, lovely tale full of warmth, humor, and intelligence. -Kirkus Reviews, starred review Romano's characters jump off the page i