Abby, Tried and True

by Donna Gephart

When Abby Braverman’s best friend, Cat, moves to Israel, she’s sure it’s the worst thing that could happen. But then her older brother, Paul, is diagnosed with cancer, and life upends again. Now it’s up to Abby to find a way to navigate seventh grade without her best friend, help keep her brother’s spirits up during difficult treatments, and figure out her surprising new feelings for the boy next door.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Juvenile, Audiobook, LGBT, Jewish

272 pages, Hardcover

First published March 9, 2021

Reviews

[Laura Gardner]

When Abby Braverman’s best (and only) friend Cat moves to Israel, she’s devastated. Then something even worse happens -- her older brother, with whom she is very close -- is diagnosed with testicular cancer. Suddenly her close-knit Jewish family is thrown into a scary new world of cancer treatments and her funny, lovable brother’s personality becomes muted. Their two moms are stressed and Abby worries that she contributes nothing positive to the family. Meanwhile, Abby makes friends (and maybe more) with the new, quiet boy next door, Conrad.

Donna Gephart has written a gorgeous book about sibling love and family in Abby, Tried and True. Abby and her brother Paul have a close bond; they play Monopoly together, and he happily includes her in excursions with his teenage friends. Paul’s cancer is explored extensively -- the way his peers react, the difficulty of his chemotherapy treatments, and his complicated emotions. Abby is a bit of a loner; besides Cat and Conrad, she doesn’t have any friends and she struggles to even talk to her peers in school. The truth is, Abby is quiet and sensitive, both of which she sees as character flaws at the start of the book, but discovers they are in fact strengths by the end. I love how the family’s Jewish traditions weave through the book flawlessly and also the way Abby’s two moms support each other (and how they are both chefs!). All in all, this is a fabulous middle grade book about a young girl growing up and discovering more about who she is and wants to be.

[Angela De Groot]

A truly wonderful story in so many ways. Abby is devastated when her best friend moves away, believing it is the worst thing that could happen, but then her older brother is diagnosed with cancer, and her world is turned even more updated down. Abby retreats further into her shell, poring her hopes and fears and feelings into her poetry that she doesn’t share with anyone. Then she meets her new neighbor, and while helping her brother through his difficult treatments, Abby discovers that even scared little turtles have it in them to be brave. That courage is a choice and even the bravest of us are afraid. Abby, Tried and True is a story of hope, love, family, and courage. Of doors closing, and windows opening. A story with characters so alive on the page that readers can’t help but know and love them.

[Shan Salter]

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

ABBY, TRIED AND TRUE
By D. Gephart

On sale Date: 3/9/2021

From award-winning middle-grade author, Donna Gephart, comes a powerful novel about friendship and family.

Seventh-grader Abby is a softy-spoken, endearing protagonist who must find inner strength when her brother, Paul, is diagnosed with testicular cancer and her best (and only) friend moves away.

Through Abbie's eyes, Gephart honestly explores the impact of Paul's cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment on the family unit.

The heaviness of this situation is lightened by Abby's developing feelings for her new neighbor, the cute and sensitive Conrad. Her supportive mom's and extended family are equally endearing.

An extended author's note provides information about Gephart's personal struggles with ovarian cancer as well as information specific to testicular cancer.

This is an important read for those wishing to learn more about cancer treatment or supporting a loved one with cancer. Hopefully, it will also increase awareness of testicular cancer (and the importance of early diagnosis) amongst middle-grade readers.

@kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit

[Lisa McDonald]

Abby, Tried and True by Donna Gephart tugged at my heart strings many times for many different reasons. The book starts with Abby's best friend moving away to Israel. Then it proceeds with a cancer diagnosis for her older brother. While the subject matter is serious, it is dealt with in an appropriate level of intensity for the middle grade crowd. The depictions of the cancer treatments felt so real. Yet, the family finds humor in it and makes the reader realize that attitude matters. I loved the little Jewish details as well. It was like a little window into the religion. I can't wait to share this book with my readers.

[Yapha]

Seventh grade is off to a rough start for Abby. Her best/only friend and next door neighbor Cat has moved to Israel and her teenage brother Paul is diagnosed with testicular cancer. She has a hard time speaking up at school and making friends, preferring to stay quiet like her pet turtle, expressing her feelings in poetry and crochet. While her two moms are very supportive, they are struggling with Paul's cancer treatments as well and the impact it is having on work and family. With the help of the new boy who moved into Cat's house, Abby begins to come out of her shell, learning that being brave doesn't mean that you aren't afraid, it just means you do it anyway. The descriptions of Paul's chemotherapy treatments and reactions to them are very descriptive and realistic. Recommended for grades 4 & up.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss

[Ian Hrabe]

Has the landscape for middle grade fiction always been this incredible, or do Rosie and I just have tremendous luck? Needed something to jump into after Rosie LOVED Lily & Dunkin, and this one was just as good. Gephart is a wizard at mining tough topics and presenting them in a way that is easy for kids to understand and, most importantly, empathize with. That's real literary magic, and I have been so impressed with the two books of hers we have read.

[Cheryl Mizerny]

This book will help young people coping with a loved one's diagnosis of cancer. Its realistic depiction of cancer treatment is written in a way they can relate to and understand. In addition to her worries about her brother, Abby also deals with missing a good friend, typical middle-school drama, and a crush on a neighbor. Gephart's Abby perfectly captures the voice of a tween and the sad is balanced with the happy to make this an accessible "issue" book for middle grade readers.

[Aaryn]

This is exactly the kind of middle grade fiction I love! Abby is a shy 7th grader whose world is turned upside down when her best friend moves to Israel. Things get worse with her brother’s cancer diagnosis; her two moms are stressed out, her grandpa tells terrible jokes, and Abby feels like she’s completely on her own. The one bright spot for Abby is her new friendship and budding romance with next-door neighbor Conrad.

[Tj Shay]

I read a digital ARC of this book and loved every second. It is complex and feels so honest and new. I give it 7 out of 5 stars. It's one of the best books I've read this year.

[Lesley]

Abby Braverman’s friend Catriella Wasserman moved to Israel the summer Abby turned twelve. An introvert, Abby only had the one friend. While kids at school didn’t exactly bully Abby, they didn’t take the time to know her, and the girls told her she needed to be more outgoing and that she probably wouldn’t speak up even to save someone’s life. Luckily Conrad, the eighth-grade boy who moved into Cat’s house, became a good and sensitive friend and possibly a boyfriend. And Abby had a close, supportive family—her two moms, her Jewish grandparents, and her older brother Paul.

“[Paul] was an extrovert. Being social was easy for Paul, and he already had two best friends, Jake and Ethan, to do everything with. Paul was not a turtle. He was an otter. Otters were fun and outgoing, Everyone loved otters.” (65)

But that summer another tragedy struck. As Abby wrote in her journal,

“One day my brother said, “I have cancer.”
With those words—that one word—
Oxygen left the room
Sound
Molecules
And then came back, forever rearranged,
Nothing has been the same since.
There is only before…and after.” (186)

This is a story of a young girl who is navigating the challenges of middle school, a new friendship and relationship, and the fear of losing her brother, frightened that the girls at school may be right, that she will be too scared to be able to help what it is necessary. But she learns she does have that courage: “Being brave is when you’re scared to do something but you choose to do it anyway because you know it’s the right thing to do.” (197)

This is one of the novels crucial to have in school and classroom libraries, to put into the hands of children who need it. Many readers will see themselves in this novel—whether coping with these same issues or others—and other readers will learn empathy for their peers who may be going through more than they know, hiding in plain sight. There are adolescents who are painfully shy or who lose their good friends and families living with a child who has cancer. As happens in adolescence, this is a year of highs and lows; fortunately, in Abby’s world, the good outweighed the bad.

Each year in the U.S. there are an estimated 15,780 children between the ages of birth and 19 years of age who are diagnosed with cancer. Approximately 1 in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday. (www.acco.org) Although cancer in children is rare, it is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among children in the United States. In 2021, it is estimated that 15,590 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 will be diagnosed with cancer and 1,780 will die of the disease in the United States. Among adolescents ages 15 to 19 years, about 5090 will be diagnosed with cancer and about 590 will die of the disease. (National Cancer Institute) Young men between the ages of 15 and 35 are at the highest risk for testicular cancer, the cancer that afflicts Paul in the story. (Author’s Note)

[Melissa]

Another great middle grade book in Abby, Tried and True! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 and a definite addition to my keep shelf, though I’ll be purchasing more as gifts, I’m sure, I’m too selfish to pass along and share.
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Abby is devastated when her best friend, Cat, moves away to Israel. She thinks it’s the worst possible thing that could happen. But then her brother is diagnosed with cancer and Abby is so broken up that she hardly knows who she is anymore. Can she be there for the brother who has always been there for her? Can she befriend the boy who moved into Cat’s house?
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What I loved:
♥️This book navigates some really difficult topics with such beauty and ease. Abby’s fears, worries, and joys all feel so true to a young girl
♥️ Cancer is dealt with in a way I haven’t much read about, both from the eyes of a sibling and showing the effects of the treatment on the patient’s mood and body even after treatments. It had a good reminder to keep checking in after chemo is over because that may be when the worst of it hits
♥️ 2 different Jewish families are at the center of this book, which I loved and do not see enough of and we got to see the families celebrate several holidays which I enjoyed as I grew up half Jewish, but we celebrated very little.
♥️ Abby has two moms and it’s not made into a whole thing (because it shouldn’t be!) I love that I am reading more of this so my kids grow up reading stories with all kinds of families.
♥️ The relationship between Abby and her brother was the heart of the book and again, not a relationship I’ve read much about in this way. They are really close and I loved reading about how Abby felt about her brother, not just because she was worried, but the depth of her realizing the changes happening to him
♥️ Her connection to her turtle, and to turtles in general, and even the turtle hat made with love.
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Okay honestly I could go in for awhile so if you want to hear more or chat about this book, I’m all for it! DM me :)
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Read this, buy this for your middle grader, it will make an impact on you and them and be incredible to talk about

[Clara]

A really heartfelt story. I teared up multiple times listening to the audiobook.

CW: childhood cancer, hospitalization, blood, bullying

[Barbara]

This middle grade novel that tackles a topic not frequently addressed in books for this age group--testicular cancer--is a 3.5 for me. I loved the way it started, and I also enjoyed the awkwardness of the book's protagonist, Abby Braverman, as she deals with seventh grade without the support of her best friend Cat. Cat and her mother have moved to Israel for a job opportunity, and Abby feels more than a little unmoored since Cat has been her sole friend all the way through school. Although the girls stay in touch after Cat moves from Florida, Abby regards herself much more like a turtle than a social butterfly, and she often feels tongue-tied during social situations. She is close to her brother, Paul, who is older and more outgoing than she is, and she feels supported by her mothers, Mom Rachel and Mama Dee. The family's incontinent dog, Miss Lucy, and Abby's slider turtle, Fudge, complete the household. Both mothers enjoy cooking, and the family follows certain Jewish traditions. As hard as it is to be separated from Cat and without the social buffer she provided, Abby learns that there are worse things, notably the diagnosis of Paul with testicular cancer. Abby stands by his side to support him through his surgery and then through four grueling rounds of chemotherapy. The author captures Abby's fears and concerns and confusion over what she doesn't know about his condition as well as how the treatment ravages Paul's body and spirit. While his family and friends rally around Paul, not everyone feels comfortable being around someone so sick. Abby also steps out of her comfort zone by developing a friendship with Conrad Miller, an older boy whose family has rented the house vacated by Cat's family. Conrad is gentle, sensitive, and as lonely in his own way as Abby. Their budding romance is sweet, if a bit convenient. Readers may wonder why he found it so hard to make friends at school when he bonded so easily with Abby. Abby is quite introspective, prone to talking to her turtle and writing poetry, snippets of which are included in the story, providing insight into her feelings. Not every middle grade girl is into fashion, music, and crushes on celebrities, and Abby's perceived standoffishness keeps others at bay while simply being evidence of her disinterest in those topics. At the heart of this story, though, is that wonderful quote from writer Mary Oliver whose work has inspired so many: "What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" (p. 4). This quote is on the journal that Cat gives to Abby, and one that certainly gives her pause, perhaps planting a seed for needed change. As I've grown older, I've found that quote to be ever more poignant as I wonder about my own choices and what I once PLANNED to do with my life and how I will use what moments remain. In Abby's case, there seems to be plenty of time for her to learn, grow, and feel increasingly comfortable in her own skin. I wouldn't change a thing about her. In the end, the book's title is quite fitting as Abby has gone through several trials and emerged still true to herself and those she loves. This would be a good book to hand to many middle graders struggling to fit in or to fold themselves within the confines of others' expectations.

[Tara]

I started reading Abby, Tried and True just as we began a major renovation on our house. Somehow I lost the book amid the piles of things we were shuffling back and forth. I unearthed the book last week! I’m so happy I found it. I picked right back up with Abby and her family and the challenges they were soon to face. Donna Gephart has a way of opening up her characters’ hearts. We feel Abby’s fears and sadness at her losses. The reader also cheers as her new friendship blossoms. And you can’t help but worry about Abby’s brother as he deals with cancer, the treatments, and the aftermath. This story delves into a sensitive subject with honesty, and it captures the feelings of what it's like to watch a loved one struggle with a cancer diagnosis.

[Jacqueline]

A beautiful story of a young girl dealing with a family crisis, a long distance friendship, and a budding romance. Author Donna Gephart delivers yet another poignant middle grade novel with charming characters learning to accept their strengths and weaknesses.

[Jeanne]

Another heartfelt middle grade read from Donna Gephart. Put especially into the hands of kids with family members going through cancer treatments. Similar to In Your Shoes there is a fledgling age-appropriate romance as well. It also includes LGBT parents and Jewish culture if looking for books to feature in those categories.

[Rose]

So. Good.

[Magaly C.]

E-ARC provided by NetGalley.
Abby Braverman seems to be losing everything before 7th grade even starts: her best friend, Cat, is moving to Israel and her brother, Paul, is diagnosed with cancer. When the new kid, Conrad, moves into Cat's house with his mom, Abby must deal with the new feelings he stirs up while also maintaining Paul's joking spirit through his treatment, dealing with middle school isolation, and helping her moms in any way she can.
Written in first-person from Abby's perspective, the story moves at a pretty good clip highlighting the lead up to key moments from mid-summer to spring (about six months). Abby is painfully shy, sensitive, writes poetry and likens herself to a turtle and Paul to an otter where she is introverted and quiet and he is playful and energetic. Her "turtle-ness" makes it difficult for Abby to talk with her classmates especially because Cat was the person who initiated conversations and gave Abby space to feel comfortable. No one seems to notice Abby's isolation and the moments of bullying Abby experiences, but I liked that she was able to find a kindred spirit with Conrad. The main plot-point was Paul's cancer diagnosis and treatment, so I was glad that there weren't too many unnecessary scenes from school.
There were lots of descriptions of vegan/vegetarian foods (sometimes to the point of excess...I don't need that many seltzer water with fresh mint descriptions...) and I wish there had been a resolution/explanation for Paul's friend who becomes distant (very minor point left unanswered, but adolescence is rife with friends becoming distant for a myriad of reasons). Overall, this was very touching middle-grade novel with a hopeful ending.

[Julie]

Grateful to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the early copy of this book.

Abby, an introverted middle school girl, is facing the start of seventh grade without her best/one and only friend, Cat, who is moving with her mom to Israel. If Abby doesn’t learn to channel some of Cat’s courage, seventh grade will be even lonelier than Abby imagined. As luck would have it, a good looking, somewhat older, boy moves in next door leaving Abby tongue tied and unsure if she can form enough of a sentence to have a conversation with him. Eventually she is calm enough to accept Conrad’s invite to walk to school together and a new friendship begins to blossom. Abby is going to need Conrad’s support more than she expected as she finds out her older brother Paul, with whom she is very close, has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. She wants to be strong for her brother, but the weight of her own struggles is making it hard for her to manage it all.

Gephart has written a sensitive middle grade story that touches on a topic not often explored: teen cancer. The character Paul who has cancer uses humor to deal with the worry and fear, but he also has to face how to live in recovery which is a challenge I have never seen addressed in a middle grade novel. Since testicular cancer is commonly found in men ages 15-35, writing about this topic in a middle grade novel could make it easier for growing boys to identify a concern with their own health.

Another fantastic story by Donna Gephart that I am excited to share.

[Cassie Reynolds]

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

Wow, this was such a sensitive topic that I haven't read in a middle grade book thus far. All of the main characters are so likeable.

During the summer, Abby's best friend Cat moved half across the world to Israel, she's beginning seventh grade, and a new boy moves into Cat's house all while she is trying to deal with the unexpected discovery of her older brother Paul's testicular cancer. Abby is struggling with all of these, but discovers a newfound friendship with the boy next door (Conrad). I loved watching their friendship bloom at the story went on. This was such a touching story, and I loved the hopeful ending!

[Catherine]

With Abby, I was brought back to my own adolescence and all of the insecurities that came with it. I've also worked with children who have chronic and serious illnesses, and their families, for over a decade and the author really captured how dealing with a serious condition truly affects the entire family. While it's not necessarily a bad thing, nothing ever really returns back to normal.

[Jennifer Hill]

Abby's best, and only, friend moved away to Israel and she is left behind with no friends. Her brother Paul, goes off to camp for the summer and when he comes home he tells his moms he doesn't feel well. As Abby starts 7th grade, she is dealing with no friends at school, a new neighbor (who seems nice) and a brother who is diagnosed with testicular cancer. As Paul goes through his treatments, she becomes friends with Conrad (the neighbor) and starts to have feelings for him.

Good book dealing with loss of friendship, diverse family (gay parents), and brother with cancer.

[Steph]

“The world is loud and unexpected.”

Stayed up late to finish Abby, Tried and True, & woke up thinking about friends who stand by us during hard times, the unconditional bond of siblings, and how delicious Mama Dee’s pastries sound for breakfast right now!

What a lovely middle grade book that so honestly tells the story of a family navigating a cancer diagnosis. The support they give each other & each character’s different coping styles were incredibly realistic.

“We’re all just walking each other home.”
-Ram Dass

[Great Books]

Abby's best friend has moved to Israel, and summer doesn't look too bright, until she hits off a friendship with the new neighbor, Conrad. As the new school year begins, her brother is diagnosed with testicular cancer and she is glad to have the support of her Jewish family and both friends new and old. Middle schoolers will see themselves in Abby's struggles to cope with these changes and challenges.

Reviewer #21

[LS Johnson]

This book felt truthful with just the right amount of angst, without being over dramatic. I loved the relationship between Abby and her brother. I am glad that Abby did not feel responsible for every unfortunate incident or situation that happened. So many characters in middle school books mistakenly feel that and it gets tiresome to read about.

[Dara Yoder]

I loved this book! One of my favorites in the last few months! Heartfelt and heart breaking! Lots of twists and turns for young Abby’s life! Great book for kids to read - positive messages and great characters! #bookposse

[Lynnette]

Good life lessons, and not afraid to touch on difficult topics. I did not like the focus of the 7th grade romance. There was too much focus on the romance, in my opinion. I didn't feel like it added to the story. Meh.

[Megan]

If you're going to read this, have thick skin, or tissues. Either way you're probably crying. But also, smiling. Its a roller coaster. A beautifully written roller coaster.

[Abigail Aldas]

This is either 3 stars or 3.5 stars, I haven’t decided yet.

The only reason I wanted to read this book was honestly because it had my name… hehe 🙃
It was cute, but I did find Abby kinda annoying in some parts, mostly in the beginning. But other than that, I can mostly relate to her. A shy girl who has not many friends and likes to write poetry sounds mostly like me if you first met me. Not the poetry part, because I suck at that 😭
I also like Paul and Conrad. Paul is a chill funny guy, and I felt so bad for him the entire time. I couldn’t ever imagine having to deal with something as terrible as that.
Conrad was also a nice guy, really sweet and dorky. The cute relationship between him and Abby was one of my favorites.
And that’s all. The only reason it’s this low was because the character development felt odd and for Abby’s sometimes annoying tush. Read if you dare…

Note: FREAK YOU JAKE!!!!!!

[Sally Kruger]

I'm so glad I ran across this book. Author Donna Gephart writes with such hope and passion as she shares Abby's experiences. It grabbed my attention immediately, and I couldn't stop reading.

When Abby's best friend moves over 2500 miles away to Israel, she is sure that it is a worst thing ever. However, when her brother returns from summer camp to the news that he has testicular cancer, Abby realizes some things are even worse.

Cat was not only Abby's best friend but also her voice on many occasions. Abby knows finding new friends when school starts will be a challenge. Fortunately, she meets Conrad, the new neighbor who moves into Cat's house with his mom. They immediately hit it off. Walking to and from school with Conrad becomes the best part of Abby's day. He also understands Abby's fears about her brother and whether or not he will beat his cancer diagnosis.

ABBY, TRIED AND TRUE needs to be in every classroom library.