Greta, J. S. Lemon
Greta, J. S. Lemon
List: $17.99 | Sale: $12.59
Club: $8.99

Greta

Author: J. S. Lemon

Narrator: Maria McCann

Unabridged: 4 hr 48 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/10/2024


Synopsis

Fish in a Tree meets Fighting Words in J. S. Lemon’s middle grade debut, a fiercely original story about friendship, healing, and the beauty of transformation.

“What new classics should look like. A strange and beautiful tale . . . This story will spark important discussions.” —Newbery Medalist Donna Barba Higuera

Greta Goodwin’s life is changing. On top of moving to a new neighborhood far away from her best friend, Lotti, she’s also starting middle school. Greta isn’t totally ready for boys, bras, and the chaotic cafeteria. She still feels like a little kid compared to those female classmates who have suddenly matured over the summer. Girls who are now the talk of the school—unlike Greta, who would rather fly under the radar, especially after a bad haircut that makes her look less “effortlessly beautiful” and more “triangle with legs.”

But at her first-ever middle-school party, a boy does pay attention to Greta. Initially it feels good. And then it feels awful. In the aftermath, Greta can’t make sense of what’s happened, let alone talk about it, even to Lotti. Impossibly, Greta’s body starts to change in a vastly different way from everyone else’s. What follows leads Greta to believe the world might finally see her as she truly is: ethereal, powerful, and free.

Sensitively told, stunningly written, and surprisingly funny, Greta will transform readers just as Greta herself is transformed.

A Macmillan Audio production from Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

About J. S. Lemon

J. S. Lemon grew up outside of Philadelphia, and chances are, so did you. She spent most of her childhood worrying about hair removal and trying to make people laugh. Even though middle school was quite a while ago, it still sits right beneath her skin. Lemon was the first girl, on both sides of her family, to graduate college, and she did so while wearing an “I’m with stupid” T-shirt under her gown. She has been an animal psychic, a mime coach, and a spokesperson for the Crocs Evening Wear Collection—all without leaving her home. Most days you can find her gossiping with her dog and writing until her thumbs ache. Her hobbies include doodling, listening to smooth ‘70s music, and dodging invitations to go hiking. She does a pretty good Cher impression.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Richard on February 28, 2024

It's probably not surprising that J.S. Lemon's middle-grade debut "Greta" centers around a middle-grade girl named Greta. Greta Goodwin is going through a lot. She lives with her mom, dad, and little brother known as Fej. As we meet her, she's going through the motions of packing up her room for the......more

Goodreads review by Greer on May 27, 2024

Interesting and beautiful middle grade book that I really enjoyed reading! I was so hesitant upon reading it regarding it's discussion of sexual violence, but it handled the incident itself very well and also had a very empowering ending that I so appreciate! Nothing was super graphic, and the chara......more

Goodreads review by margaretgstewartgmail.com on September 29, 2024

Deeply poignant, occasionally hilarious, pleasingly strange, and ultimately hopeful. That’s a very simplified summary of how I experienced this insightful book that captures what it is to be an on-the-verge-of-adolescent girl. I love that this book takes seriously this very complicated time in a you......more

Goodreads review by Andy on March 25, 2024

I wasn't totally sure what to expect from this book, but it far surpassed my expectations. I was really taken with Greta, her family situation and her going into middle school. I wanted to punch Derek as soon as his BS started up and I don't blame Greta for going into her spiral because of his actio......more

Goodreads review by Emily on November 01, 2024

I thought this book was amazing. The perspective it was written with really resonated with me and I think would with the experiences of any young girl. The relationship between her and her best friend I think was especially well written and I cried a few times while reading. This isn't a typical "co......more


Quotes

“What new classics should look like. A strange and beautiful tale that will bring transformation not only to Greta, but those who have veiled secrets. This story will spark important discussions, a read to share in groups.” —Newbery Medalist Donna Barba Higuera

"Greta
is a thought-provoking, heartfelt, and hopeful coming-of-age novel about the power of friendship and the possibility of healing. A highly imaginative, compelling story that will take readers on a life-changing journey." —Bestselling author Alyson Gerber

“This peculiar tale is a pitch-perfect encapsulation of middle school. Lemon demonstrates a deep understanding of the richness and intensity of adolescent friendship . . . Friendship, healing, and being at peace with one’s self are at the heart of this moving and original story.” —Kirkus Reviews