The Real Deal

"An absolute treasure. Vibrant, charming, and absolutely real."-Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, author of Operation Sisterhood

Two best friends discover the danger and power of secrets in this pitch perfect standalone from the acclaimed author of Just Like Jackie and Brave Like That.

Not every friendship can be the real deal, but for Gabe and Oliver, that's never been a question.

Things still feel the same on the surface-they're even making a comic about their friendship-but lately Oliver's acting like he might be hiding something.

And then there's Reuben, the new boy who just moved to town. He doesn't talk-not ever. The other kids say mean things and call him names behind his back. Gabe knows it isn't right-but he and Oliver stay quiet, or worse, laugh along with the others just to keep from standing out.

Through the character he and Oliver create in their comic adventure, the experience they have babysitting twin toddlers, and with the help of a troublemaking seventh grader who gets sent to their sixth-grade class, Gabe begins to find his voice and become the realest-deal version of his own self. But if he does that-can he still hold onto his best friend, too?

Perfect for fans of Lisa Graff and Linda Mullaly Hunt, this novel from Lindsey Stoddard, whose stories were lauded as "remarkable" by the New York Times Book Review, will have fans new and old hooked.

• Best Friend Story: Gabe and Oliver have always been inseparable, creating comics and sharing everything. But when secrets and silence start to build between them, their bond is tested like never before.
• Standing Up for What's Right: When the new kid, Reuben, becomes a target, Gabe has to choose between fitting in with the crowd and speaking up-even if it means standing alone.
• Finding Your Voice: A heartfelt and relatable journey about a boy learning to listen to his conscience and discovering that being a true friend means being true to yourself first.
• Heartfelt Middle Grade Fiction: Perfect for readers who love authentic stories about the messy, complicated, and wonderful parts of growing up, dealing with family struggles, and navigating school.