A hot-headed cynic befriends the new kid--a shy trans boy--when she takes on a bet to get him elected student body president in this new...

A hot-headed cynic befriends the new kid--a shy trans boy--when she takes on a bet to get him elected student body president in this new middle grade contemporary novel from Caroline Huntoon, author of Skating on Mars.

Linus is the new boy at school, and he's trying to keep it quiet. After coming out as trans last year and managing the attention that came with it, he's more than happy to fade into the background of his new middle school.

Etta isn't like other kids at school, and she's proud of it. The class misanthrope and the owner of the greenest hair at Doolittle Middle School, she's still reeling from a painful friendship breakup, making her more than happy to burn middle-school bridges before she heads off to the local alternative high school next year.

When Etta's over-it-all attitude sparks a challenge from her ex-best friend, Marigold, to get Linus elected student body president, Linus is thrust back into the spotlight. But what started out as a bet quickly turns into a true friendship between Linus and Etta, one that could be in jeopardy if Linus finds out the real origins of his and Etta's connection. Can Linus and Etta's friendship withstand the betrayal of the bet?

Author: Caroline Huntoon
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Published: 05/07/2024
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.70w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781250897466
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 02/12/2024
Kirkus Reviews 04/01/2024
Booklist 04/01/2024 pg. 72

About the Author
Caroline Huntoon (they/them) is a nonbinary storyteller and educator and the author of Skating on Mars and Linus and Etta Could Use a Win from Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan. They grew up in Michigan but spent time in New York City to earn their B.A. at Barnard College and see as much musical theater as possible, Walt Disney World to fulfill a lifelong dream of working on The Great Movie Ride, and Vermont to earn their M.A. from The Bread Loaf School of English. Now back in Michigan, Caroline lives with their headstrong and hilarious child, Winnie, and their adorable and needy dog, Oscar David. By day they work as an English teacher and theater director, and by night they write stories for young people about loss, identity, and friendship that validate their messy and wonderful lives.