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Almost True
Not yet published
Expected 26 Jan 27A tween girl’s picture-perfect life is turned upside down when her genius inventor Mom turns out to be a fraud—but with the help of an unexpected new friend and her love of music, she begins to learn how to stand on her feet again—in this heartwarming novel with a surprise twist ending from beloved author Elly Swartz.
Sixth grader Grace Millstein has always known that with hard work, anything is possible. Her mom, Jade, is living proof. A genius inventor, Jade recently discovered a breakthrough technology that predicts how viruses will mutate. Now, everyone in town wants to invest in her company.
But on the eve of her twelfth birthday, Grace learns a terrible truth. Turns out, Grace’s mom is a fraud. Her business is a shell of lies. And now, everything Grace has ever known is in jeopardy.
In the blink of an eye, Grace's whole life changes. The one silver lining is the mysterious boy in Grace's new neighborhood, who seems to keep popping up wherever she goes.
Only, Grace’s new friend is keeping secrets, too. And unless Grace learns to embrace herself—and the past she’s trying to leave behind—she might not learn the truth about either of them.
Sixth grader Grace Millstein has always known that with hard work, anything is possible. Her mom, Jade, is living proof. A genius inventor, Jade recently discovered a breakthrough technology that predicts how viruses will mutate. Now, everyone in town wants to invest in her company.
But on the eve of her twelfth birthday, Grace learns a terrible truth. Turns out, Grace’s mom is a fraud. Her business is a shell of lies. And now, everything Grace has ever known is in jeopardy.
In the blink of an eye, Grace's whole life changes. The one silver lining is the mysterious boy in Grace's new neighborhood, who seems to keep popping up wherever she goes.
Only, Grace’s new friend is keeping secrets, too. And unless Grace learns to embrace herself—and the past she’s trying to leave behind—she might not learn the truth about either of them.
- GenresMiddle Grade
224 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 26, 2027
About the author
Elly Swartz
7 books231 followersElly Swartz is the award-winning author of seven middle grade novels: Finding Perfect, Smart Cookie, Give and Take, Dear Student, Hidden Truths, Same Page and Almost True (2027).
Swartz’s books reflect her commitment to raising awareness about mental health and neurodiversity. Her most recent novel, Same Page, was recommended by The New York Times. Finding Perfect, her debut, was named one of the Best Children’s Books About Mental Health by the Child Mind Institute. Dear Student was recommended by Parents Magazine and won the PA State Award for Middle Grade, and Hidden Truths received starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal, was a Kirkus Best Books of 2023, an Amazon Best Book for November, an Amazon Editors’ pick, and has been nominated for state awards in MA, MO, and NJ.
Swartz travels the country meeting with thousands of students each year to empower their own personal narrative.
Swartz lives in Massachusetts and is happily married with two grown sons, a grandson, and two pups. Connect with her at ellyswartz.com, on Twitter @ellyswartz, and on Instagram, Bluesky, or Threads @ellyswartzbooks.
Swartz’s books reflect her commitment to raising awareness about mental health and neurodiversity. Her most recent novel, Same Page, was recommended by The New York Times. Finding Perfect, her debut, was named one of the Best Children’s Books About Mental Health by the Child Mind Institute. Dear Student was recommended by Parents Magazine and won the PA State Award for Middle Grade, and Hidden Truths received starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal, was a Kirkus Best Books of 2023, an Amazon Best Book for November, an Amazon Editors’ pick, and has been nominated for state awards in MA, MO, and NJ.
Swartz travels the country meeting with thousands of students each year to empower their own personal narrative.
Swartz lives in Massachusetts and is happily married with two grown sons, a grandson, and two pups. Connect with her at ellyswartz.com, on Twitter @ellyswartz, and on Instagram, Bluesky, or Threads @ellyswartzbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Elly Swartz has done it again. Almost True is another masterpiece that will capture readers' hearts long after they turn the final page.
Grace Millstein is a protagonist you'll find yourself cheering for from the very first chapter. When the life she's always known shatters overnight, Grace must navigate heartbreak, uncertainty, and difficult truths about family, friendship, and community. Through it all, she discovers that strength isn't about having all the answers. It's about finding the courage to keep moving forward, even when everything feels impossible.
Swartz beautifully explores what happens when the people we trust make mistakes and reminds readers that our circumstances do not define who we become. Grace's journey is one of resilience, forgiveness, and self-discovery, made even more touching through her love of music and the unexpected friendships she forms along the way.
Without giving anything away, the story builds to a surprising twist that is both satisfying and deeply emotional. As always, Swartz treats complex topics with honesty, compassion, and hope, creating characters that feel authentic and relatable.
We all have a little Grace in us. We've all faced moments when life doesn't go as planned, when we've questioned who we are or where we belong. Almost True reminds readers that even when life feels broken, healing, hope, and new beginnings are possible. This is a story that will resonate with middle grade readers and adults alike, and another unforgettable novel from one of today's finest middle grade authors.
I received an advanced reader's copy from the author.
Grace Millstein is a protagonist you'll find yourself cheering for from the very first chapter. When the life she's always known shatters overnight, Grace must navigate heartbreak, uncertainty, and difficult truths about family, friendship, and community. Through it all, she discovers that strength isn't about having all the answers. It's about finding the courage to keep moving forward, even when everything feels impossible.
Swartz beautifully explores what happens when the people we trust make mistakes and reminds readers that our circumstances do not define who we become. Grace's journey is one of resilience, forgiveness, and self-discovery, made even more touching through her love of music and the unexpected friendships she forms along the way.
Without giving anything away, the story builds to a surprising twist that is both satisfying and deeply emotional. As always, Swartz treats complex topics with honesty, compassion, and hope, creating characters that feel authentic and relatable.
We all have a little Grace in us. We've all faced moments when life doesn't go as planned, when we've questioned who we are or where we belong. Almost True reminds readers that even when life feels broken, healing, hope, and new beginnings are possible. This is a story that will resonate with middle grade readers and adults alike, and another unforgettable novel from one of today's finest middle grade authors.
I received an advanced reader's copy from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing an early copy to read and review. This middle grade story follows 6th grader Grace as she is forced to navigate a new path upon learning that her inventor mom is a fraud. Grace’s journey forward is one of courage, self-discovery, and friendship with an unexpected twist!
As a 4th grade ELA teacher, I enjoyed the nod to two other kidlit works (Wish in a Tree and The Eyes and the Impossible).
Publishing January 2027.
Lines I enjoyed:
ARC page 24:
“You can’t control what other people think or if you’ll make it onto the show. Just like when I play a gig, I can’t control if the crowd will love or hate my set. The only thing we can control is the effort we give, the heart we share, and the music we play. So do that and don’t worry about the rest.”
-Mr. Murphy
ARC page 58:
My music is the only thing that stops my world and heart and brain from spinning. It’s my compass. That’s what Gramps always said. “It’ll steer you and steady you, Gracie. You’ll never lose your way as long as the music is in you.”
ARC page 78:
I look at my grandmother and wonder if all losses feel the same. Like a gaping hole in your heart that can never be filled.
ARC page 111:
He stares at the house. “It’s surprising what you miss when you leave a place.”
-Max
ARC page 211:
“Gracie, I don’t want to hold onto this anger forever. It’s painful and exhausting. I want to move forward with joy and love…there is no one way to heal. The path forward can look a lot of different ways.”
-Dad
As a 4th grade ELA teacher, I enjoyed the nod to two other kidlit works (Wish in a Tree and The Eyes and the Impossible).
Publishing January 2027.
Lines I enjoyed:
ARC page 24:
“You can’t control what other people think or if you’ll make it onto the show. Just like when I play a gig, I can’t control if the crowd will love or hate my set. The only thing we can control is the effort we give, the heart we share, and the music we play. So do that and don’t worry about the rest.”
-Mr. Murphy
ARC page 58:
My music is the only thing that stops my world and heart and brain from spinning. It’s my compass. That’s what Gramps always said. “It’ll steer you and steady you, Gracie. You’ll never lose your way as long as the music is in you.”
ARC page 78:
I look at my grandmother and wonder if all losses feel the same. Like a gaping hole in your heart that can never be filled.
ARC page 111:
He stares at the house. “It’s surprising what you miss when you leave a place.”
-Max
ARC page 211:
“Gracie, I don’t want to hold onto this anger forever. It’s painful and exhausting. I want to move forward with joy and love…there is no one way to heal. The path forward can look a lot of different ways.”
-Dad
Review of advance copy received from Author
I knew from the first pages this one was going to be my new favorite book by Elly Swartz.
Almost True by Elly Swartz is a middle grade novel that blends heart, emotional depth, and a touch of mystery into an unforgettable story. Grace Millstein is a twelve-year-old whose seemingly perfect world is turned upside down when she learns a shocking truth about her mother.
Swartz really understands the emotional landscape of middle grade readers. Grace’s voice feels authentic—vulnerable, resilient, and quietly strong—as she navigates a new neighborhood, shifting friendships, and the ripple effects of her mother’s choices on her entire family.
This is a story about losing your footing when everything you thought you knew falls apart. It’s about how mistakes—sometimes very big ones—don’t just impact one person, but everyone around them, stirring up anger, confusion, and hurt. And yet, through all of that, there’s space for growth, understanding, and ultimately, forgiveness.
A heartfelt and honest read that stays with you. Swartz’s best middle grade novel yet.
Almost True by Elly Swartz is a middle grade novel that blends heart, emotional depth, and a touch of mystery into an unforgettable story. Grace Millstein is a twelve-year-old whose seemingly perfect world is turned upside down when she learns a shocking truth about her mother.
Swartz really understands the emotional landscape of middle grade readers. Grace’s voice feels authentic—vulnerable, resilient, and quietly strong—as she navigates a new neighborhood, shifting friendships, and the ripple effects of her mother’s choices on her entire family.
This is a story about losing your footing when everything you thought you knew falls apart. It’s about how mistakes—sometimes very big ones—don’t just impact one person, but everyone around them, stirring up anger, confusion, and hurt. And yet, through all of that, there’s space for growth, understanding, and ultimately, forgiveness.
A heartfelt and honest read that stays with you. Swartz’s best middle grade novel yet.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When everything you believed falls apart, finding yourself is the greatest discovery.
🎸
Grace’s world falls apart when she discovers her brilliant inventor mother has built her success on lies. As her family loses everything, Grace leans on music and an unexpected new friendship to navigate betrayal, rebuild her confidence, and uncover truths that could change everything.
🎶
@ellyswartzbooks has such a gift for writing emotionally rich middle grade novels, and this one is no exception. Grace’s journey through betrayal, loss, and starting over feels honest and hopeful, while the mystery surrounding her new friend keeps the pages turning. The themes of resilience, forgiveness, and discovering your own identity make this a heartfelt read, and the surprise ending is sure to leave readers talking. This book releases January 26!
CW: arrest, fraud, emesis, bullying, anxiety, child death (recounted)
🎸
Grace’s world falls apart when she discovers her brilliant inventor mother has built her success on lies. As her family loses everything, Grace leans on music and an unexpected new friendship to navigate betrayal, rebuild her confidence, and uncover truths that could change everything.
🎶
@ellyswartzbooks has such a gift for writing emotionally rich middle grade novels, and this one is no exception. Grace’s journey through betrayal, loss, and starting over feels honest and hopeful, while the mystery surrounding her new friend keeps the pages turning. The themes of resilience, forgiveness, and discovering your own identity make this a heartfelt read, and the surprise ending is sure to leave readers talking. This book releases January 26!
CW: arrest, fraud, emesis, bullying, anxiety, child death (recounted)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another great book by Elly Swartz! Grace’s life is totally changed when she finds out her mom lied about her business and took threat wasn’t hers. Mom goes to jail, they have to sell their house, and move in with Gram. On top of that Grace’s friends stop talking to her and she has to leave her school. Grace brings her guitar to Gram’s and hopes to send in an audition video for Melody Masters. At her new school she meets Max (or does she) and meets Dakota who invites her to the school dance to hear her club band play. At her new school Grace finds her footing and decides who she really wants to be. Will Grace send in an audition video? Will she be able to forgive her mom?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another BRILLIANT book by Elly Swartz! I had the good fortune to read an early copy and could not put it down. The MC leapt off the page and into my heart. The twists and turns will keep you glued to your seat. I finished it in only a few hours. And what an emotional roller coaster - surprise, disappointment, loneliness, love, compassion, joy, embarrassment, excitement, contentment are just a few that sparkle! Themes of family, betrayal, friendship, music, going viral on the internet, identity, and honor are addressed. This is a MUST READ! Add it to your to-be-read-list today!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is such a page turner! Kids are going to love it! Very interesting discussions to be had in book groups!
Grace’s whole world is turned upside down after something her mom did. She feels betrayed and so angry! The family dynamics is brought right to the forefront so we can see how this betrayal affects everyone slightly differently. So many feelings in this one! Mark your calendars for 1/26/27!!
Grace’s whole world is turned upside down after something her mom did. She feels betrayed and so angry! The family dynamics is brought right to the forefront so we can see how this betrayal affects everyone slightly differently. So many feelings in this one! Mark your calendars for 1/26/27!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed Almost True. Grace’s journey as she tries to rebuild her life after discovering that her mother isn’t who she thought she was kept me turning the pages. I especially liked the mix of family drama, friendship, and mystery. Elly Swartz has a knack for writing stories that tackle big challenges while remaining engaging and accessible for middle-grade readers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received the arc from the author. I could not put down the book. It is incredibly well written and frankly I laughed and cried. Some of the passages were so inspiring I wrote them down. It is a beautiful story with a twist at the end. Another incredible book from Elly Swartz.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This amazing story has all you could ever want - great writing and characters, heart, emotion, and even some surprises. A great read by a truly skilled author who knows her craft and her audience.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Three words: Read this book!!!! What a great read. The story catches you from the dramatic start to the absolutely exciting plot twist (and as if it couldn’t get better there is music and a dog)!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lucky to have received an advanced copy of this wonderful book from the author. Important themes, interesting characters and the most engaging storytelling. What more could you want!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In true Elly Swartz fashion, this book blew me away!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews