Brady Mason's Perfect Fit

by Nicole Melleby

Brady Mason couldn't care less about celebrity gossip or fashion. What do those have to do with her life as an orphan in a group home in New Jersey? She likes what she knows: baseball, comfortable clothes, pork roll with cheese, and Cory, who makes her feel fluttery things in her stomach. Then Brady's housemates notice that she looks strangely like Elena Lavigne -- the imperious editor-in-chief of Vivacite magazine, able to make or break fashion trends with a glance -- and they decide to put it out on social media that Brady, of all people, is Elena's long-lost daughter. They'll make a few Tiktoks, the Internet will go wild, maybe they'll get some free stuff, and that will be the end of it.

But then lawyers arrive with a DNA test.

It turns out Brady, of all people, IS Elena's long-lost daughter.

And now Elena is summoning her to Manhattan to try living with her.

When Brady arrives on the Upper East Side, it's like being in a movie, complete with a limo, a fancy new house, all the sneakers she wants, and a new (cute) friend who teaches her the rules of soccer. The biggest challenge? Elena, whose high-fashion instincts clash with Brady's tomboy antics, and who doesn't know how to be a mother any more than Brady knows how to be a daughter. But the more Brady gets to know Elena, the more she sees what they have in common, and she starts to wonder . . . if they're both searching for a family, could the two of them be the right fit?

Genres: Middle Grade, LGBT, Contemporary, Queer, Fiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 13, 2026

About the author

Nicole Melleby, a Jersey native, is the author of highly praised middle-grade books, including the Lambda Literary finalist Hurricane Season and ALA Notable Children's book How to Become a Planet. She lives with her wife and their cats, whose needs for attention oddly align with Nicole’s writing schedule.

Feel free to follow her on Twitter @LadyMelleby

Reviews

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful, sweet emotional roller-coaster story ❤️ Loved Brady right away!

Everything was really well done and it all felt electric and alive if that makes sense.

This lifted my mood and squeezed my heart ❤️ :).

[*christine* · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful story about what family is and about being yourself.

[Laura (crofteereader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melleby’s books always get me in my feelings because I think about how many kids will read these books and maybe figure out that being queer is okay, that needing therapy is okay, that having big feelings or depression or panic attacks is okay.

And it was definitely not a good idea to read this on an airplane because feelings can be overwhelming.

I loved that Brady was a little abrasive but also that she could play the part expected of her (as long as she knew what those expectations would be) and didn’t know how to let her own thoughts and preferences and needs out. And Mia was perfect. I love that Melleby always includes an older queer role model in her books - because it helps readers understand that not only is the MC not alone but that there are adults who have made it through the tough stage and found peace or happiness or acceptance (even if it doesn’t always come without a cost). And Elena was such a great picture of a struggling parent wanting to do right by her kid but not knowing how and struggling to communicate.

We also love positive therapy rep!

{Thank you LBYR for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}

[Michelle]

Brady Mason's Perfect Fit was such a quick read for me! I love it and highly recommend it for all libraries! I probably could have read it in one night but it was a school night and I still read waaayyy past my bedtime.

I liked that the story didn't drag on before Brady went to live with her birth mom. The story kept the reader engaged with everything Brady was going through and experiencing and you still had great character development of everyone in Brady's life.

I'd love to read a sequel of how Brady and her mom are doing. How Brady is adjusting to her life and self discoveries.

A definite must-have for all libraries!

#NicoleMelleby #BradyMasonsPerfectFit #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians #ReadABook #ReadThisBook #Books #Read #MGReads #MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #Edelweiss #Goodreads

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brady Mason has been living in foster homes since she was one. Her birth mother gave her up for adoption, and when her adopted parents died, she was left to be in the system. Brady has learned the hard way how to survive. She knows what to say to the authorities to get by. She has learned things the hard way.


When the housemates in the current home notice that she looks like a famous mavin, they think it would be funny to post pictures of how much alike they appear. But, that’s how they find out she really is the long lost daughter of Elen Lavigne, and Brady leaves everything behind, including her friends at the home, to live with her long-lost mother.


This might sound like a feel-good story, but much like Oliver Twist, Brady knows she doesn’t quite fit in this new home. She worries that she will be sent back, something she sort of wants, and doesn’t at the same time.


And Elena has no idea how to be a mother, thinking throwing money at Brady will be enough. She gives her everything she could ever want, except for her time.


Very heartfelt, as the story is told solely from 12-year-old Brady’s point of view. And, of course, there is a lack of communication, and Brady thinks she isn’t wanted.


I stayed up late to finish this one. I got so involved in the story. By the end, I was crying big tears. I had no idea how this book was going to end, and had to find out.


All the stars, for both making me stay up until 2am, and making me cry. Highly recommended.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 13th of January 2026.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie meets Devil Wears Prada is a perfect pitch for this book which has a lot of heart. I am particularly fond of found family stories, and in this case, I thought the resolution was particularly good.

[Barrett Mardre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole, it was so wonderful meeting you at ALA and thanks so much for this ARC. It is definitely one of my favorites out of all your works! Brady is a likable and relatable character. I loved the way that Mia came out to her and the serendipitous meaning of Alyssa at the park. Also, I don’t think I have read any stories that included a character getting her period for the first time since. Are You There, God! What a wonderful exploration of a career woman evolving into any role. I will recommend this book to all of my librarian friends! Next up, Athlete is Agender!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚Brady Mason's Perfect Fit
✍🏻Nicole Melleby
Blurb:
Brady Mason couldn't care less about celebrity gossip or fashion. What do those have to do with her life as an orphan in a group home in New Jersey? She likes what she knows: baseball, comfortable clothes, pork roll with cheese, and Cory, who makes her feel fluttery things in her stomach. Then Brady's housemates notice that she looks strangely like Elena Lavigne -- the imperious editor-in-chief of Vivacite magazine, able to make or break fashion trends with a glance -- and they decide to put it out on social media that Brady, of all people, is Elena's long-lost daughter. They'll make a few Tiktoks, the Internet will go wild, maybe they'll get some free stuff, and that will be the end of it.

But then lawyers arrive with a DNA test.

It turns out Brady, of all people, IS Elena's long-lost daughter.

And now Elena is summoning her to Manhattan to try living with her.

When Brady arrives on the Upper East Side, it's like being in a movie, complete with a limo, a fancy new house, all the sneakers she wants, and a new (cute) friend who teaches her the rules of soccer. The biggest challenge? Elena, whose high-fashion instincts clash with Brady's tomboy antics, and who doesn't know how to be a mother any more than Brady knows how to be a daughter. But the more Brady gets to know Elena, the more she sees what they have in common, and she starts to wonder . . . if they're both searching for a family, could the two of them be the right fit?
My Thoughts:
Melleby’s books always get me in my feelings because I think about how many kids will read these books and maybe figure out that being queer is okay, that needing therapy is okay, that having big feelings or depression or panic attacks is okay.

And it was definitely not a good idea to read this on an airplane because feelings can be overwhelming.

I loved that Brady was a little abrasive but also that she could play the part expected of her (as long as she knew what those expectations would be) and didn’t know how to let her own thoughts and preferences and needs out. And Mia was perfect. I love that Melleby always includes an older queer role model in her books - because it helps readers understand that not only is the MC not alone but that there are adults who have made it through the tough stage and found peace or happiness or acceptance (even if it doesn’t always come without a cost). And Elena was such a great picture of a struggling parent wanting to do right by her kid but not knowing how and struggling to communicate.
Thanks NetGalley, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Author Nicole Melleby for the advanced copy of "Brady Mason's Perfect Fir"" II am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LittleBrownBooksforYoungReaders
#BradyMason'sPerfectFit
#NicoleMelleby
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the front cover, there is a mini review from Eliot Schrefer who says, "All the fun and glamour of The Devil Wears Prada, with a giant heart at its core. "

Eliot was 100% correct. The plotline is somehow both over the top ridiculous but also completely down to Earth. The relationships are very realistic. I'm around Elena's, Brady's mom's, age and the range of emotions I have thinking about being in that situation myself really shows. Having a twelve year old, regardless of relation, suddenly a part of your every day life is stressful.

The whole book though is, of course, told from Brady's perspective. She has already lived through so much while in the foster system and already has a pessimistic outlook on life. So having her entire life flipped upside down with a mom who doesn't know what she's doing, a lifestyle she never thought she'd have, and being twelve, of course Brady is confused about what she's supposed to do.

Overall I adored this book. There were just a few points I wish were explored a bit more, like the issues Brady was dealing with at school, and what happens after the climatic event.

[WKPL Children's/YA Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Lori really enjoyed reading this "re-make" of Annie/The Devil Wears Prada! Tween orphan girl, Brady, dreams of meeting her birth parents and moving out of the group home she shares with several other orphans. Along with her best friend they dream of moving to NYC and having all they don't have now. And then her group home "sisters" notice that Brady looks an awful lot like a multi-million dollar fashion editor whose latest memoir states she gave up her baby 12 years ago. They create a TikTok claiming Brady might actually be the long lost daughter and a DNA test sent by the editor declares that Brady IS the daughter. In a whirlwind of activity, Brady is moved a NYC brownstone townhouse where her life (and the life of her birth mom) are turned upside down! It's not easy for Brady or her new Mom to deal with this change and lots of learning takes place with fantastic help from friends old and new.
This is a really good middle grade/junior high story that can lead to great conversations.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brady Mason's Perfect Fit: three stars. MG novel that feels like a social-media-era Annie, with a queer main character dealing with some challenging feelings.

Pros:
-The growth of the relationship between Brady and Elena makes for an engaging plot.
-The New York City setting is vivid and fun.
-Some discussion of dealing with periods is included.

Cons:
-Some elements of Brady's and Elena's backstories feel underexplained.
-I'd hoped the book would more deeply address the socioeconomic inequality that makes such a "rags-to-riches" story possible (though I recognize that's probably not what most MG readers are looking for).
-The book leans a bit heavily on stereotypes about New Jersey kids/culture without really questioning them (this felt uncharacteristic for a Melleby book).

Overall: Older readers may not find this one fully satisfying, but I think kids are likely to enjoy it (probably upper-MG due to some profanity).

[Shelly Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an extremely fun book to read! Brady is a rough tough kid living in a group home in New Jersey. Although she is happy with her group home, she has dreams of visiting and living in New York.

When one of her roommates decides she looks like the famous Elena Lavigne, they start to get the attention of the press and all of a sudden the lawyers are there to take a DNA test. When it turns out to be positive, she is swept up and is moved to New York.

Although this is her dream to have a mom and live in New York, it still brings challenges. You will be pulling for Brady through the entire book and laughing at her misadventures.

I won this ARC through Good Reads and I highly recommend it. I look forward to placing this in my Little Free Library!

[Cathy Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so much heart. The characters are vibrant and easy to love and care about, they are well fleshed out, and the main characters go through significant development over the course of the book. There's enough action to keep the reader engaged. The eventual resolution of the conflict between personalities and lifestyles felt realistic and natural. Secondary to the overarching plot of Brady trying to fit in with her new life, I appreciated the depictions of other normal tween girl struggles and how Brady's life situation made those struggles harder to deal with. Middle-grades girls especially should enjoy this book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.

[cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

nicole melleby you never let me down!!! this is absolutely a labor of love and it shows. i'm a sucker for annie (2014) [which i saw in elementary school... sorry millenials] and this whimsical fashion fairytale was so good. i love you stories about foster care i love you stories about queer youth i love you queer middle grade i love you stories where the characters go to therapy and this is presented as a normal and right choice! i really wish i'd had something like this when i was younger, and i know i'll be giving a copy to some of the beloved young people in my life.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brady Mason has been in the system since she was little. Her adopted parents died and she was put in multiple homes. She finally has found a place where she feels like she belongs in a group home. But then she is thrown into the world of her birth mom who is famous and has everything. Brady doesn't feel like she fits in there, but she is trying. Her mom can give her everything but all Brady really wants is time with her.
This is a heartfelt book about finding your place while also dealing with middle grade feelings and emotions.

[Shateau · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ARC from NetGalley. This was set up as a preteen story weaving in several find yourself, building confidence moments. It is in the same game as Annie, but the narrative felt like the MFC should have been a few years older and the story expanded a bit. This moved fast, not quite short enough to a short story, but didn't feel like a full novel. Overall, an enjoyable quick read.

[Quinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had been on my radar for a while, but I couldn't quite suspend my disbelief enough to feel fully immersed in the story. The plot was honestly farfetched, and Brady just wasn't a convincing twelve-year-old. She should have been a few years older. The story could have been expanded a bit too.

[Lisa Hoppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet book. I think the premise would be a bit much if this were an adult book, but works well for middle grade. I liked that there was conflict along the way but it never felt melodramatic or too heavy.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Review to come closer to publication date.

[Jenna (Falling Letters)]

It's high time I read something by Nicole Melleby.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Brady, lives in a grp home, finds out she’s Elena’s long-lost daughter. DNA proves it. Brady goes to live in NYC w Elena, a fashion editor. Will they find they are a perfect fit?

[Anastasia Tuckness]

Interesting premise!

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story in Nicole Melleby's pitch-perfect middle grade voice. ANNIE meets THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA told with warmth, humor, and hope. From the Jersey Shore surf to the glittering world of New York fashion, I loved Brady’s determination to remain true to herself while exploring a relationship with her birth parent. Kids are going to devour this book!

ARC read

[Mystic DreamClouds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Special thanks to the author(s), publisher, Goodreads and/or NetGalley for the review copy. All views and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

This is a story about Brady in the foster care system, who happens to find her birth mother, Elena through the help of some friends and social media. The beginning of this story goes very quick and is engaging. Told from Brady’s perspective, we are introduced to Brady, her situation and the people around her. I enjoyed how the characters were introduced and how evenly paced this story was. It felt like there was a purpose behind each page. However, it’s unfortunate that majority of the characters in this first part don’t play a role later on in the story.

After Brady goes to live with Elena, the story seems to become slow and at a standstill. It didn’t feel like anything was happening except miscommunication and two individuals trying to bear each other. Personally it felt like they were forcing themselves into living with each other, rather than adapt or co-exist. I understand it’s stressful and it’s not going to be a perfect or smooth transition, but it would have been nice to see them both have some progressive bonding moments. Some communication would also have been nice, to be fair.

That said, I liked how Brady described her new home and the challenges it came with. It was interesting to read about her expressions as she experienced new things. I also liked how Brady knew how to adapt and push back. She wasn’t quiet and accepting, she knew exactly where to draw a line and make herself heard.

Mia was a great supporting character. I loved how she was adaptable, understood the situation, and wasn’t scared to voice her thoughts to Elena. I felt like Mia really held their relationship together and I would love to read her story if it’s ever written. I think we all need a Mia somewhere in our life.

This book also has a sprinkle of romance. It’s more understanding and accepting yourself than romance but there were feelings! I liked how it was flawed, messy and not so perfect. It was relatable, realistic and I’m glad it wasn’t the focus or pivotal moment of this story. Instead, it was like a side quest that added to Brady’s character.

Overall, this story wasn’t for me. By the end, it felt like there was too much left unsaid and quite a bit of unclarity. I understand it wasn’t going to be perfect, but I still wasn’t convinced it was going to work out. Maybe just coexisting is the answer I need to accept. Though, I still wish the book focused a bit more on Brady and Elena’s bond, instead of at the very end. Nonetheless I think it’s a story you should give a chance because maybe it wasn’t for me, but that might be different for you.

Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf