What do you think?
Rate this book
Dear Student
When Autumn becomes the secret voice of the advice column in her middle school newspaper, she is faced with a dilemma—can she give fair advice to everyone, including her friends, while keeping her identity a secret?
Starting middle school is rough for Autumn after her one and only BFF moves to California. Uncertain and anxious, she struggles to connect with her new classmates. The two potential friends she meets could not be more bold Logan who has big ideas and quiet Cooper who's a bit mysterious. But Autumn has a what do you do when the new friends you make don't like each other?
When Autumn is picked to be the secret voice of the Dear Student letters in the Hillview newspaper, she finds herself smack in the middle of a problem, with Logan and Cooper on opposite sides. But before Autumn can figure out what to do, the unthinkable happens. Her secret identity as Dear Student is threatened. Now, it's time for Autumn to find her voice and her courage and follow her heart, even when it's divided.
Starting middle school is rough for Autumn after her one and only BFF moves to California. Uncertain and anxious, she struggles to connect with her new classmates. The two potential friends she meets could not be more bold Logan who has big ideas and quiet Cooper who's a bit mysterious. But Autumn has a what do you do when the new friends you make don't like each other?
When Autumn is picked to be the secret voice of the Dear Student letters in the Hillview newspaper, she finds herself smack in the middle of a problem, with Logan and Cooper on opposite sides. But before Autumn can figure out what to do, the unthinkable happens. Her secret identity as Dear Student is threatened. Now, it's time for Autumn to find her voice and her courage and follow her heart, even when it's divided.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
49 people are currently reading
1062 people want to read
About the author
Elly Swartz
6 books222 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 24, 2022
This is a Middle Grade book. The main character in this book is Autumn who is in middle school, and she is struggling with anxiety and connecting with kids in her new school. I think this book shows what it is like being a student struggling with a lot of things. I really like the main character and all the animals in this book. I also like that this book will show kids that they are not the only one that struggles making friends. The plot/story line is really good. I really enjoyed reading this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Delacorte) or author (Elly Swartz) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 1, 2022
I finished this book a while ago, but waited to post my review after I had an opportunity to add copies to my classroom library, and get some feedback from my student.
The book is a winner!
Dear Student is exactly what some of my students needed and I highly recommend educators add this to their classroom and school libraries. While the themes of friendship, bravery, and family are explored, it is how the author addresses the sensitive topic of anxiety that appealed to my students.
Five stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The book is a winner!
Dear Student is exactly what some of my students needed and I highly recommend educators add this to their classroom and school libraries. While the themes of friendship, bravery, and family are explored, it is how the author addresses the sensitive topic of anxiety that appealed to my students.
Five stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 20, 2021
Preorder this book!
Preorder some tissues!
Prepare to feel empowered and hopeful! This is a story about finding and using your voice. It's about friendship and activism. Bonus: there's a pet guinea pig! And whoopee pies!
I was lucky enough to get an early peek at this story. I can't wait for it to be out in the world!
Preorder some tissues!
Prepare to feel empowered and hopeful! This is a story about finding and using your voice. It's about friendship and activism. Bonus: there's a pet guinea pig! And whoopee pies!
I was lucky enough to get an early peek at this story. I can't wait for it to be out in the world!
July 13, 2021
I devoured Elly Swartz's newest novel, Dear Student, in two days! She sent me an early copy to help write the teacher's guide. I am so excited for teachers to use this book in their classroom libraries! Themes like friendship, bravery, and family are so poignantly interwoven throughout Autumn's story.
Elly has such talent for creating vibrant characters that enter our hearts.
This middle grade novel introduces readers to Autumn, Pickle, Logan, and Cooper along with their family members and pets. We get a snippet into their lives as they start middle school, struggle with how to navigate friendship and sisterhood, and stand up for what they believe in. Readers also learn a little about the Jewish culture through the eyes of our protagonist. We are lucky to have this book in our universe!
Elly has such talent for creating vibrant characters that enter our hearts.
This middle grade novel introduces readers to Autumn, Pickle, Logan, and Cooper along with their family members and pets. We get a snippet into their lives as they start middle school, struggle with how to navigate friendship and sisterhood, and stand up for what they believe in. Readers also learn a little about the Jewish culture through the eyes of our protagonist. We are lucky to have this book in our universe!
March 19, 2022
This book hit close to home as it follows middle school students with complicated family lives and navigating friendships.
Read
April 20, 2022"That's how it happens. Stories find me. Then I shut out the world, listen, and write. On the page, I don't worry and the words don't stick." p.23
"Those are my favorite stories to write. The ones where there are seeds of truth mixed with lots of anything-is-possible." p.106
"Those are my favorite stories to write. The ones where there are seeds of truth mixed with lots of anything-is-possible." p.106
April 12, 2022
Welcome Back!
As always things have been busy! I recently made some pretty big changes in my life and while they were all good changes it’s been a really big adjustment. So I have been spending a lot of time reading whenever I can because it’s nice to fall into the pages of a new adventure when things are changing! Dear Student is a book I finished a little while ago, but can not recommend enough! I was super fortunate to receive an e-ARC of Dear Student on NetGalley, and I downloaded it to my phone. From there I picked this book up every time I found myself waiting in a line, or just having a spare moment or two. A few chapters in and I could not wait to see where Autumn’s story was headed!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Autumn is starting a new school year, however, this time is unlike any before. Autumn recently moved but she still lives in the same town, she just does not live in her house anymore. Now Autumn lives above the vet office where her mother works, and now her father does not live with them anymore. Autumn’s dad joined the Peace Corps and is away for a long time, also her very best friend moved to the other side of the country, so her life is full of big changes. As the school year is starting she is taking on many new responsibilities to try and help her mom with her little sister. On her first day of school, Autumn accidentally meets a new friend but she also decides to fill out the application to become the new secret student for her school. Autumn is 99% sure she will not get the role but she applies anyway, however, when a teacher pulls her aside and offers her the role, stressing that she must keep it a secret, Autumn takes the offer, and begins a whole new exciting path! However, will secret student bring her the best school year yet? Or will it cause more problems than she could ever imagine?
I loved every second of Dear Student! I could not put down Autumn’s story, I always wanted to know what was going to happen. To touch on Autumn’s story more specifically, I think the author did an amazing job, handling Autumn’s anxiety and feelings about everything going on in her life, additionally, Autumn having to take on bigger roles and grow up a bit faster than other kids was also handled really well. Outside of Autumn, I loved the secret student aspect of the story, I think it was an excellent way for Autumn to be involved without going super far out of her comfort zone! As a final note, I love the cover for this book as well! I think it really represents Autumn and the story within!
Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars
**Thank you so much to the publisher for this E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
As always things have been busy! I recently made some pretty big changes in my life and while they were all good changes it’s been a really big adjustment. So I have been spending a lot of time reading whenever I can because it’s nice to fall into the pages of a new adventure when things are changing! Dear Student is a book I finished a little while ago, but can not recommend enough! I was super fortunate to receive an e-ARC of Dear Student on NetGalley, and I downloaded it to my phone. From there I picked this book up every time I found myself waiting in a line, or just having a spare moment or two. A few chapters in and I could not wait to see where Autumn’s story was headed!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Autumn is starting a new school year, however, this time is unlike any before. Autumn recently moved but she still lives in the same town, she just does not live in her house anymore. Now Autumn lives above the vet office where her mother works, and now her father does not live with them anymore. Autumn’s dad joined the Peace Corps and is away for a long time, also her very best friend moved to the other side of the country, so her life is full of big changes. As the school year is starting she is taking on many new responsibilities to try and help her mom with her little sister. On her first day of school, Autumn accidentally meets a new friend but she also decides to fill out the application to become the new secret student for her school. Autumn is 99% sure she will not get the role but she applies anyway, however, when a teacher pulls her aside and offers her the role, stressing that she must keep it a secret, Autumn takes the offer, and begins a whole new exciting path! However, will secret student bring her the best school year yet? Or will it cause more problems than she could ever imagine?
I loved every second of Dear Student! I could not put down Autumn’s story, I always wanted to know what was going to happen. To touch on Autumn’s story more specifically, I think the author did an amazing job, handling Autumn’s anxiety and feelings about everything going on in her life, additionally, Autumn having to take on bigger roles and grow up a bit faster than other kids was also handled really well. Outside of Autumn, I loved the secret student aspect of the story, I think it was an excellent way for Autumn to be involved without going super far out of her comfort zone! As a final note, I love the cover for this book as well! I think it really represents Autumn and the story within!
Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars
**Thank you so much to the publisher for this E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
February 15, 2022
Elly Swartz has done it again! DEAR STUDENT is a huggable story is about a girl whose loyalty is divided between two friends on opposite sides of a local controversy. Middle grade readers will identify with, root for, and adore big-hearted 6th grader Autumn Blake as much as I did! A must-add addition to any upper elementary or middle school classroom.
May 30, 2022
Elly Swartz’s books are always excellent read! Her books always have a topic that is relatable to a reader. Like this one, this is discussing about shyness and dealing about questioning about the effectiveness of giving appropriate advise. Many what-ifs and sometimes I feel the same way. Oh my goodness, I really love her books!
February 12, 2022
Starting middle school is hard enough, but imagine starting middle school after your best friend moves and you're dealing with anxiety. Autumn is not looking forward to middle school. Autumn escapes the worry and anxiety of all the changes in her life through writing. After sharing some of her writing in class, her teacher believes she's the perfect person to be this year's anonymous advice writer, Dear Student. Between two friends who don't like each other, a father who has left for noble reason and trying to keep her identity secret, Autumn works to figure out how to be true to herself.
I've read other books by Elly Swartz and was excited to read her newest middle grade book. I loved the diversity of the characters and the positive friendships that shown in the book. I worried as I read that everything would solve itself with a nicely tied bow. Instead the author gave us a thoughtful and hopeful ending that was true to Autumn. This will be a wonderful addition to my classroom library and address so many topics in a kid-friendly way-social anxiety, peer relations, separated families, and there's a recipe thrown in for good measure! I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley, but opinions are my own.
I've read other books by Elly Swartz and was excited to read her newest middle grade book. I loved the diversity of the characters and the positive friendships that shown in the book. I worried as I read that everything would solve itself with a nicely tied bow. Instead the author gave us a thoughtful and hopeful ending that was true to Autumn. This will be a wonderful addition to my classroom library and address so many topics in a kid-friendly way-social anxiety, peer relations, separated families, and there's a recipe thrown in for good measure! I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley, but opinions are my own.
December 31, 2021
I am grateful to have received an early copy of this book from the author and publisher.
Dear Student is a beautiful middle grade novel that will be a huge hit with my upper elementary students. The authentic characters are relatable as are the challenges they face. Themes of friendship, starting at a new school, friends moving away, fitting in, balancing the interests of friends with those of your own as well as those of other friends, standing up for what you believe in even when others disagree, speaking up for what you know is right, being brave looking different for different people, and missing people who are physically missing as well as emotionally absent are all experiences readers will easily identify in their own lives. I especially enjoyed all the shoutouts to cherished stories from other authors as Autumn reads with her little sister Pickle.
Publishes on February 15th! Preorder for your middle grade valentines now.
Dear Student is a beautiful middle grade novel that will be a huge hit with my upper elementary students. The authentic characters are relatable as are the challenges they face. Themes of friendship, starting at a new school, friends moving away, fitting in, balancing the interests of friends with those of your own as well as those of other friends, standing up for what you believe in even when others disagree, speaking up for what you know is right, being brave looking different for different people, and missing people who are physically missing as well as emotionally absent are all experiences readers will easily identify in their own lives. I especially enjoyed all the shoutouts to cherished stories from other authors as Autumn reads with her little sister Pickle.
Publishes on February 15th! Preorder for your middle grade valentines now.
January 10, 2022
I love this book and can think of several students who will want to read it. Autumn is missing her dad while he is away serving in the Peace Corps and her best friend who recently moved. In addition to this, she struggles with anxiety and feels uneasy at times, but she is really striving to find what she is good at and use it in the best way possible. She faces some tough challenges when her two best friends become angry with her because of her beliefs and how she handles some situations in her role as a student advice columnist. Autumn has to really look at her own heart and decide how to move forward. I can’t wait until it is published!
Early digital copy from NetGalley.
Early digital copy from NetGalley.
February 9, 2023
Eh didn’t love this book, the characters were sometimes annoying or too optimistic:( but the storyline was good!
January 17, 2022
A wonderful book about friendship, family, being true to yourself and being brave enough to do the right thing. Love Autumn so much!
March 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how Autumn grew as a person throughout the story. She started out as a shy, introverted girl and became a brave and strong young lady.
September 15, 2021
Her best —and only—friend has moved across the country, her father left to join the Peace Corps, and her mother had to rent out their house and move Autumn and her little sister, Pickle, above her veterinary clinic. Navigating middle school is tough, even though kids some make it look easy; navigating middle school when you are shy and have lost your best friend and father and home is hard.
In his postcards her father encourages shy Autumn to seize the day and find her “one thing.” Autumn thinks her one thing may be serving as the secret writer of the Dear Student column of the school paper. “It’s so much easier to find the words when they aren’t for me. When I don’t have to say them out loud.” (98) She is surprised but delighted when she is chosen. Her advisor sees something in her that she is not sure is there, and he advises recommends that she just speak from her heart.
Autumn finds that she can give good advice and, as the year begins, she makes two new friends, Cooper who just moved to their town, and Logan, who seems to have no trouble making friends and talking to people. Autumn finds her relationship with these two to be complicated.
Both friends have their challenges: Logan’s mother is a human rights attorney and rarely home which makes Logan needy, and Cooper’s mother works for the beauty products company that Autumn and Logan want to protest against because of their animal testing policy. “I’m a bundle of confusion. I have two friends who want something different. Something opposite.”
Being Dear Student in secret is complicated. “The friend who doesn’t know that I know that she asked me [as Dear Student] for advice is taking the advice I gave, But the other friend who doesn’t know I’m the one giving advice is mad about the advice I [as Dear Student] gave.” (192) Her mother advises, “When you care about both sides of something [safety of animals and Cooper’s mother’s job], it can also feel complicated.… When fighting for something you believe in, you have to stay true to yourself and focus on the parts you can control.” (218)
Middle grade friendships are challenging. Logan is not quite the true friend she appears to be. When Logan forgets her birthday party, “I don’t tell her that I was never really mad. Just sad. That being forgotten is the thing I am most afraid of.” (112) That and some of her other actions make Autumn question friendship. Luckily, Cooper stays true, and throughout all this, Autumn has the support of Prisha, even from thousands of miles away, “You can’t be afraid to do things that are important to you…. And just be you, okay?” (252)
And when it matters most, Autumn learns to speak up, as herself, not as Dear Student.
This is a book which acknowledges the complications of relationships and encourages young adolescents to find their one thing.
In his postcards her father encourages shy Autumn to seize the day and find her “one thing.” Autumn thinks her one thing may be serving as the secret writer of the Dear Student column of the school paper. “It’s so much easier to find the words when they aren’t for me. When I don’t have to say them out loud.” (98) She is surprised but delighted when she is chosen. Her advisor sees something in her that she is not sure is there, and he advises recommends that she just speak from her heart.
Autumn finds that she can give good advice and, as the year begins, she makes two new friends, Cooper who just moved to their town, and Logan, who seems to have no trouble making friends and talking to people. Autumn finds her relationship with these two to be complicated.
Both friends have their challenges: Logan’s mother is a human rights attorney and rarely home which makes Logan needy, and Cooper’s mother works for the beauty products company that Autumn and Logan want to protest against because of their animal testing policy. “I’m a bundle of confusion. I have two friends who want something different. Something opposite.”
Being Dear Student in secret is complicated. “The friend who doesn’t know that I know that she asked me [as Dear Student] for advice is taking the advice I gave, But the other friend who doesn’t know I’m the one giving advice is mad about the advice I [as Dear Student] gave.” (192) Her mother advises, “When you care about both sides of something [safety of animals and Cooper’s mother’s job], it can also feel complicated.… When fighting for something you believe in, you have to stay true to yourself and focus on the parts you can control.” (218)
Middle grade friendships are challenging. Logan is not quite the true friend she appears to be. When Logan forgets her birthday party, “I don’t tell her that I was never really mad. Just sad. That being forgotten is the thing I am most afraid of.” (112) That and some of her other actions make Autumn question friendship. Luckily, Cooper stays true, and throughout all this, Autumn has the support of Prisha, even from thousands of miles away, “You can’t be afraid to do things that are important to you…. And just be you, okay?” (252)
And when it matters most, Autumn learns to speak up, as herself, not as Dear Student.
This is a book which acknowledges the complications of relationships and encourages young adolescents to find their one thing.
September 12, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for this e ARC of Dear Student by Elly Swartz. While I enjoyed Dear Student, I didn't enjoy it as much as some of Elly Swartz' other books. Maybe my expectations were too high. I knew that the main character was going to be facing social anxiety and I was disappointed that it wasn't addressed more in the book. As a parent of someone with social anxiety, I was hoping to connect a little more with the character, but it generally came across more as that the main character was just very shy. Nevertheless the book was well written and the story was compelling as is the case with Elly Swartz' other books.
Autumn is just starting middle school and her best--really only friend--has just moved across the country. Her mother is a vet and she connects more with animals than with people. Her father has recently moved to Ecuador to join the Peace Corps and will be gone a few years and Autumn feels abandoned. On the first day of school, she meets two very dissimilar people who become her new friends, although they don't really like each other.
Her father, has encouraged her to Seize the Day, and join one thing in middle school. She decides to apply to be the new anonymous advice-giver of the Dear Student column because she feels the invisible nature of the column will be right up her alley and she thinks she is good at helping people, never really expecting to get chosen. When one of her friends writes in for advice, problems ensue.
Again, this is a very good book, I just had different expectations for it.
Autumn is just starting middle school and her best--really only friend--has just moved across the country. Her mother is a vet and she connects more with animals than with people. Her father has recently moved to Ecuador to join the Peace Corps and will be gone a few years and Autumn feels abandoned. On the first day of school, she meets two very dissimilar people who become her new friends, although they don't really like each other.
Her father, has encouraged her to Seize the Day, and join one thing in middle school. She decides to apply to be the new anonymous advice-giver of the Dear Student column because she feels the invisible nature of the column will be right up her alley and she thinks she is good at helping people, never really expecting to get chosen. When one of her friends writes in for advice, problems ensue.
Again, this is a very good book, I just had different expectations for it.
February 12, 2022
Reading Autumn’s account of her anxiety and fear about being seen at school, in the neighborhood, and her family plus her struggles to respond to her father leaving for a 2 year stint with the Peach Corps and her best (and only) friend moving away was almost physically painful because it hit so close to home. I and many of my students will connect to Autumn’s insecurities in a deeply personal way and other students may develop a bit of empathy for those who are not as socially secure as they are. Regardless of perspective, I hope all readers see Autumn’s example of being true to her beliefs and her efforts at revealing who she really is on the inside and are inspired to find their own super power/courage and step out into new territory. Middle grade students will appreciate that, as in real life, not all situations are resolved neatly or perfectly. Excellent book for students in grades 4-7, free of sexual content, profanity, and violence. Representation: Autumn is Jewish and while this is not a major part of the plot, a number of Jewish celebrations and traditions are included in her story. Prisha, the BFF who had to move, presents as Middle Eastern. MCs Cooper and Logan present as Caucasian.
Thanks for the early look at this terrific book, NetGalley!
Thanks for the early look at this terrific book, NetGalley!
September 7, 2021
Elly Swartz ha such a way of drawing in the reader from page one. She writes characters you can easily connect to and who face challenges similar to yours.
In Dear Student a new middle schooler is facing family challenges and a few friendship issues as she comes across an opportunity to do something "big" with her year. She's decent becomes the school advice columnist and that brings way more challenge than she was expecting. She learns to speak her truth and opinions even when ours hard and still fight for her friends at the same time.
On top of all this great story plot, the author gives a recipe for the delicious whoopie pies made in the book. We can't wait to give them a try.
Dear Student is a must read!
In Dear Student a new middle schooler is facing family challenges and a few friendship issues as she comes across an opportunity to do something "big" with her year. She's decent becomes the school advice columnist and that brings way more challenge than she was expecting. She learns to speak her truth and opinions even when ours hard and still fight for her friends at the same time.
On top of all this great story plot, the author gives a recipe for the delicious whoopie pies made in the book. We can't wait to give them a try.
Dear Student is a must read!
July 22, 2021
DRC from Edelweiss and Random House
Autumn is starting middle school and it is hard. Her father left a year ago to join the Peace Corps and her BFF moved to California. Although shy, finds friendship with Logan and Cooper. The problem is that they don't like each other and often want Autumn to do different things. When Autumn applies for and gets the "Dear Student" column in the school newspaper, she is finally gaining some confidence and finding her voice. Until her anonymity is discovered and she realizes she also needs to find courage to continue.
Themes of bravery, family, friendship
Autumn is starting middle school and it is hard. Her father left a year ago to join the Peace Corps and her BFF moved to California. Although shy, finds friendship with Logan and Cooper. The problem is that they don't like each other and often want Autumn to do different things. When Autumn applies for and gets the "Dear Student" column in the school newspaper, she is finally gaining some confidence and finding her voice. Until her anonymity is discovered and she realizes she also needs to find courage to continue.
Themes of bravery, family, friendship
July 30, 2022
Dear Student by Elly Swartz is full of lovable characters. Spending time getting to know Autumn, Logan, Cooper and Pickle and their stories is time well spent. The characters help readers to see that we each come at things from our own unique perspective and experience. This story honors the complexities of life. It also highlights sharing your voice and opinions while holding true to yourself. When I closed the book, I felt strength, empowerment and hope (all of which are welcomed and necessary under current worldwide circumstances).
October 31, 2022
Dear Reader, Have you ever wished you could be the voice of an anonymous advice column? Me too! You will love Autumn's story navigating friendships and family life--and hearing about Spud the guinea pig and Superman the iguana's parts in the whole thing.
May 1, 2022
Elly Swartz writes middle school and family dynamics so well!!
June 25, 2022
The audio of this book was delightful! I loved the main character and the whole premise! I am even going to try to start a 'dear student' in my school this year! Great read!
#bookposse
#bookposse
August 13, 2021
“We don’t have to think the same to be friends.”
📨
Middle school has arrived for Autumn, but nothing seems to be going right. Her dad left to join the Peace Corps, leaving Autumn and her sister, Pickle, with their vet mom and Autumn’s BFF moved to California. Introverted and anxious Autumn worries about finding new friends until friendly and personable Logan refuses to let Autumn say no to a friendship. Autumn also meets Cooper: new student who is also shy like herself. Her two new friends couldn’t be any different from one another. When Autumn applies and gets accepted as the school’s anonymous advice columnist Dear Student, her friendships are put on the line when she keeps her new job a secret. When everyone finds out, it threatens the new relationships she was building.
📨
Elly is one of my go-to middle grade authors. She has such a great way of writing for kids and dealing with big topics, her speciality, IMO, being mental health. As an introvert and someone who deals with anxiety as well I felt like Elly nailed Autumn’s POV. Big, loud populated places are not my thing so Autumn and Cooper eating in the science lab was on point. I also believe the descriptions of friendships was so well done. So many times in my youth I was friends with people I probably shouldn’t have been because we were so different. However, in middle school friendships and social status can trump a true connection. As always I loved the Jewish representation as well. This MG book releases 2.15. Preorder now!
📨
Middle school has arrived for Autumn, but nothing seems to be going right. Her dad left to join the Peace Corps, leaving Autumn and her sister, Pickle, with their vet mom and Autumn’s BFF moved to California. Introverted and anxious Autumn worries about finding new friends until friendly and personable Logan refuses to let Autumn say no to a friendship. Autumn also meets Cooper: new student who is also shy like herself. Her two new friends couldn’t be any different from one another. When Autumn applies and gets accepted as the school’s anonymous advice columnist Dear Student, her friendships are put on the line when she keeps her new job a secret. When everyone finds out, it threatens the new relationships she was building.
📨
Elly is one of my go-to middle grade authors. She has such a great way of writing for kids and dealing with big topics, her speciality, IMO, being mental health. As an introvert and someone who deals with anxiety as well I felt like Elly nailed Autumn’s POV. Big, loud populated places are not my thing so Autumn and Cooper eating in the science lab was on point. I also believe the descriptions of friendships was so well done. So many times in my youth I was friends with people I probably shouldn’t have been because we were so different. However, in middle school friendships and social status can trump a true connection. As always I loved the Jewish representation as well. This MG book releases 2.15. Preorder now!
January 27, 2022
Autumn has so many changes in her life. Her best friend moved away, her dad joined the Peace Corps in Guatemala and she, her mom and her little sister, in order to make ends meet, are living in an apartment above her mom’s veterinary clinic, instead of in her beloved house with the lilacs in the yard. And to top it off, middle school is beginning in a few days and she’ll be navigating that terrifying experience alone.
Readers will see so much of themselves in Autumn. She’s a wonderful big sister and she’d do anything to help animals, but she lacks confidence in herself and her decisions. The thought of making a new friend, sharing her thoughts in class or eating lunch in the middle school cafeteria sends her social anxiety over the edge. But thanks to a caring teacher, a kind, supportive mom and a new friend (maybe two!) she begins to find her voice.
This is a story about Autumn’s determination to help both people and animals, her courage and her honesty. It’s a story about family, friendship and forgiveness. Its a story you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve read the last page. And there’s even a recipe for Autumn’s famous whoppie pies! You can preorder this February 15th release today.
Many thanks to @delacoutepress for sharing an arc of Autumn’s story.
Readers will see so much of themselves in Autumn. She’s a wonderful big sister and she’d do anything to help animals, but she lacks confidence in herself and her decisions. The thought of making a new friend, sharing her thoughts in class or eating lunch in the middle school cafeteria sends her social anxiety over the edge. But thanks to a caring teacher, a kind, supportive mom and a new friend (maybe two!) she begins to find her voice.
This is a story about Autumn’s determination to help both people and animals, her courage and her honesty. It’s a story about family, friendship and forgiveness. Its a story you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve read the last page. And there’s even a recipe for Autumn’s famous whoppie pies! You can preorder this February 15th release today.
Many thanks to @delacoutepress for sharing an arc of Autumn’s story.
October 19, 2021
Dear reader,
This novel is phenomenal! I have every intention of adopting 5 copies for my classroom book clubs in the near future. Autumn is going through some rough times. Her dad leaves to join the Peace Corps when he has an overwhelming desire to help others that cannot be ignored. He leaves behind Autumn, her mom and her little sister Pickle (nickname). Autumn's mom is a vet and runs a clinic in town. Without their dad around, they have to move into the apartments above the clinic and leave behind the house they has where Pickle and Autumn have their own rooms. Autumn is feeling all the emotions when 6th grade starts. Her best friend moved away, so she makes two new friends who couldn't be more opposite, yet Autumn feels loyalty to both.
Autumn struggles to find her voice and struggles to accept her emotions. When her teacher Mr. Baker opens up a job position for Dear Student, Autumn applies with all the hope that she could be at giving advice to other people. She gets the job and she's wonderful at giving advice. But then... she gets herself into a pickle. A new company in town is creating so many jobs, yet they test some of their products on animals. Having a guinea pig named Spud, Autumn sees both the good and the bad the company represents. So when she is faced with what to do about it, will she pick action or silence? Read on to find out.
Very realistic and very modern. I adored this novel and its social justice issues. Great messages. Wonderful read for middles!
This novel is phenomenal! I have every intention of adopting 5 copies for my classroom book clubs in the near future. Autumn is going through some rough times. Her dad leaves to join the Peace Corps when he has an overwhelming desire to help others that cannot be ignored. He leaves behind Autumn, her mom and her little sister Pickle (nickname). Autumn's mom is a vet and runs a clinic in town. Without their dad around, they have to move into the apartments above the clinic and leave behind the house they has where Pickle and Autumn have their own rooms. Autumn is feeling all the emotions when 6th grade starts. Her best friend moved away, so she makes two new friends who couldn't be more opposite, yet Autumn feels loyalty to both.
Autumn struggles to find her voice and struggles to accept her emotions. When her teacher Mr. Baker opens up a job position for Dear Student, Autumn applies with all the hope that she could be at giving advice to other people. She gets the job and she's wonderful at giving advice. But then... she gets herself into a pickle. A new company in town is creating so many jobs, yet they test some of their products on animals. Having a guinea pig named Spud, Autumn sees both the good and the bad the company represents. So when she is faced with what to do about it, will she pick action or silence? Read on to find out.
Very realistic and very modern. I adored this novel and its social justice issues. Great messages. Wonderful read for middles!
October 23, 2021
Dear Student
by Elly Swartz
Pub Date 15 Feb 2022
Random House Children's, Delacorte Press
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade
I am reviewing a copy of Dear Student through Random House Children’s and NetGalley:
Autumn finds starting middle school rough, especially since her BFF moved to California. She finds herself both anxious and uncertain as well as struggling to connect with her classmates. The two potential friends she does end up meeting could not be more different: bold Logan who has big ideas and quiet Cooper who's a bit mysterious. But Autumn has a dilemma: what do you do when the new friends you make don't like each other?
After Autumn is chosen to be the secret voice of the Dear Student letters in the Hillview newspaper, she finds herself smack in the middle of a problem with Logan and Cooper on opposite sides. Before Autumn is able to figure out what she needs to do, the unthinkable happens and her identity as Dear Student is threatened. Now, it's time for Autumn to find her voice, her courage, and follow her heart, even when it's divided.
I give Dear Student five out of five stars!
'Happy Reading!
by Elly Swartz
Pub Date 15 Feb 2022
Random House Children's, Delacorte Press
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade
I am reviewing a copy of Dear Student through Random House Children’s and NetGalley:
Autumn finds starting middle school rough, especially since her BFF moved to California. She finds herself both anxious and uncertain as well as struggling to connect with her classmates. The two potential friends she does end up meeting could not be more different: bold Logan who has big ideas and quiet Cooper who's a bit mysterious. But Autumn has a dilemma: what do you do when the new friends you make don't like each other?
After Autumn is chosen to be the secret voice of the Dear Student letters in the Hillview newspaper, she finds herself smack in the middle of a problem with Logan and Cooper on opposite sides. Before Autumn is able to figure out what she needs to do, the unthinkable happens and her identity as Dear Student is threatened. Now, it's time for Autumn to find her voice, her courage, and follow her heart, even when it's divided.
I give Dear Student five out of five stars!
'Happy Reading!
November 26, 2021
EArc provided by NetGalley for a fair and unbiased review
Autumn is starting middle school and it is hard. Her father left a year ago to join the Peace Corps and her BFF moved to California. Autumn's father is constantly encouraging her to do something big, to find her "one thing". Although shy, she finds friendship with Logan and Cooper, two new students in town.. The problem is that they don't like each other and often want Autumn to do different things, things that often put Autumn in a very hard place. Logan is outgoing and everyones friend. Cooper is an animal lover whose mom is working hard to keep them in their home. In her search for her big, she faces even more challenges and these new friendships are put to the test.
The story is fairly fast paced, but our author leaves nothing out. We get great character development, and a town that becomes alive as we read the novel. Most of our questions are eventually answered, but some not, just like in life. As a classroom read or for a book group, it has some great talking points and conversation starters.
I've just discovered this author and am now in search of more!
Autumn is starting middle school and it is hard. Her father left a year ago to join the Peace Corps and her BFF moved to California. Autumn's father is constantly encouraging her to do something big, to find her "one thing". Although shy, she finds friendship with Logan and Cooper, two new students in town.. The problem is that they don't like each other and often want Autumn to do different things, things that often put Autumn in a very hard place. Logan is outgoing and everyones friend. Cooper is an animal lover whose mom is working hard to keep them in their home. In her search for her big, she faces even more challenges and these new friendships are put to the test.
The story is fairly fast paced, but our author leaves nothing out. We get great character development, and a town that becomes alive as we read the novel. Most of our questions are eventually answered, but some not, just like in life. As a classroom read or for a book group, it has some great talking points and conversation starters.
I've just discovered this author and am now in search of more!
December 26, 2021
Thank you to the author and publisher for sharing an early copy with #bookexpedition.
Elly Swartz has a knack for creating authentic middle grade characters that find their way into your heart, and Dear Student’s Autumn is no exception.
Autumn is starting middle school, and her best friend has moved far away. Her dad has gone to Ecuador to serve in the Peace Corps, and her mom has moved with Autumn and her younger sister Pickle to the apartment above her veterinary clinic.
Despite the challenges she’s facing, Autumn wants to take her dad’s advice and find the thing she’s good at. Because her anxiety causes her to avoid attention, she decides to apply for an anonymous advice position at her school’s paper called Dear Student. Knowing she’s good at helping others, Autumn is excited when she’s chosen as the columnist. But when her two new friends learn of her position, they struggle with the advice she’s been giving, and Autumn must find the courage to fight for her friendships and follow her own heart.
On point middle grade topics of feelings, friendships, courage, honesty, activism, and owning your own voice. Also loved the nods to other fantastic middle grade (and picture book) titles. Oh - and a recipe for whoopie pies that I can’t wait to try!
Preorder now. Publishing 2/15/22.
Elly Swartz has a knack for creating authentic middle grade characters that find their way into your heart, and Dear Student’s Autumn is no exception.
Autumn is starting middle school, and her best friend has moved far away. Her dad has gone to Ecuador to serve in the Peace Corps, and her mom has moved with Autumn and her younger sister Pickle to the apartment above her veterinary clinic.
Despite the challenges she’s facing, Autumn wants to take her dad’s advice and find the thing she’s good at. Because her anxiety causes her to avoid attention, she decides to apply for an anonymous advice position at her school’s paper called Dear Student. Knowing she’s good at helping others, Autumn is excited when she’s chosen as the columnist. But when her two new friends learn of her position, they struggle with the advice she’s been giving, and Autumn must find the courage to fight for her friendships and follow her own heart.
On point middle grade topics of feelings, friendships, courage, honesty, activism, and owning your own voice. Also loved the nods to other fantastic middle grade (and picture book) titles. Oh - and a recipe for whoopie pies that I can’t wait to try!
Preorder now. Publishing 2/15/22.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews