Happy & Sad & Everything True - by Alex Thayer

About the Book

Dee begins the sixth grade school year feeling like a loser, embarrassed by her mother, and minus her best friend, but ultimately she finds herself through kindly and secretly giving out advice to her schoolmates.

Book Synopsis

"A charming, entertaining, and true book...I would follow Dee's advice any time." --Gayle Forman, author of Frankie & Bug and Not Nothing

With charm and sincerity reminiscent of Judy Blume and Rebecca Stead, this debut middle grade novel is a "compassionate" (Kirkus Reviews), hopeful story about a girl finding herself through secretly giving out advice to classmates.

Back when Dee and Juniper were still friends, Dee never hid in the bathroom. Now, at the beginning of sixth grade, Dee finds herself there often. The dripping faucet is annoying, and there are other places she'd rather be--like at home and in her room with her cat, Norman. But at least Dee is safe from overenthusiastic teachers and having to see Juniper walking through the halls with her new friends. Dee would rather be alone than witness that.

But it turns out Dee isn't the only one hiding from something. There are kids all over the school worrying in secret and needing someone to talk to. After Dee helps a second grader with spelling advice, more students begin coming to Dee with their problems. It turns out she's a good listener, and she likes helping people. And when she starts receiving mysterious notes, it seems someone out there wants to be her friend--if only they would reveal themselves.

Review Quotes

Any kid who's ever hidden in the bathroom will wish they had a Dee to whisper with.--BCCB

Thayer's debut novel brings readers to an authentic view of junior high, with its daily drama and moments of discovery... A solid purchase for libraries with a following for authors like Kate DiCamillo and Rebecca Stead. --Booklist

Alex Thayer's delightful debut could not be more perfectly named. I experienced all the feels watching Dee navigate mean-girl cliques, lose her best friend, handle her eccentric single mother (who is maybe dating her PE teacher) all the while staying open to new possibilities. A charming, entertaining, and true book that gently illustrates how so many of life's problems can be improved by a large dollop of generosity. I would follow Dee's advice any time.--Gayle Forman, author of Frankie & Bug and Not Nothing

Debut author Thayer skillfully and authentically captures the often-painful social transitions of middle school. In a satisfying growth arc, quiet, kind Dee comes out of her shell, realizing she's worth more than the judgments of others made her believe... A compassionate window into the awkward and isolating stages of growing up.--Kirkus Reviews

Happy & Sad & Everything True has a sincere earnestness that brings you right back to the halls of middle school. Kids will absolutely love this sweet-yet-strong story. --Claire Swinarski, author of What Happened to Rachel Riley?

About the Author

Alex Thayer is a former film and television actress and elementary school teacher. She lives in New England with her two sons. She's the author of Happy & Sad & Everything True and Bad Cheerleader.