Coming Soon . . . JOEY THE GOOD

Twelve-year-old sweat-averse Joey is psyched for his summer of relaxation and perfecting his butt-shaped indentation on the couch. Sure, he wishes that his best friend, Xander, wasn’t always busy with his new cross-country team, but Joey is certain that Xander will still have plenty of time for the things they love: watching Italian soccer, making homemade pasta with Joey’s Nonna, and debating the merits of their favorite superheroes.


But Joey's summer plans are upended when his perfect older cousin, Leo, comes to stay at his house for the summer. Leo is the kind of guy who runs marathons and jumps off cliffs. Hanging out with Leo is dead last on Joey's list of Ways I’d Like to Spend a Day, partly because the two cousins have a tense history that goes back to the death of their Nonno. But now, Leo’s training to climb the highest mountain in California, and he wants Joey to do it with him. The plan is nuts—Joey usually avoids climbing stairs, so seriously, a mountain? But somehow, he’s roped into hiking with Leo anyway, which is how he accidentally learns Leo’s secret: His cousin has young-onset multiple sclerosis. So newsflash: This climb will most likely be his cousin's final adventure, and he needs Joey's help to do it.

Book Reviews  

LOSING IT
Fry’s purposive debut is reminiscent of Chris Crutcher’s works, but for a younger audience. An energizing and ultimately uplifting tale of the power to change. 
—Kirkus August 2012

Fry has a great ear for middle school dialogue, and her light, humorous touch will ensure that readers keep turning the pages until the uplifting conclusion.
 —School Library Journal November 2012 Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

SECRETS OF THE BOOK
“Fry has created a memorable group of contemporary and historical characters to give life to this fast-paced adventure.”
​ --School Library Journal

Author and curriculum specialist Erin Fry has been writing books and stories for more than two decades. You can find her books on Amazon. Also, check out the classroom-ready, standards-aligned teacher's guides that accompany each of her middle-grade novels!