JOEY THE GOOD is available on May 20!
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. Check out the Cover Reveal at The Nerd Daily! ReviewsJOEY THE GOOD
“Experienced hiker Fry presents a heartfelt exploration of grief, guilt, and family bonds upheld by complicated and realistically rendered emotions, and an appropriately untidy resolution.” --Publishers Weekly, 2025 “A strongly characterized examination of healing familial reconnection.” --Kirkus Reviews, 2025 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 Reviews, 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, 2012 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, 2014 |
Erin Fry began her career as a middle school educator but now works from home as a full-time writer. She is also the founder of 241 Books where she helps write books and lesson activities that combine reading with social studies. She believes that books have the power to be both windows and mirrors that help us understand the world outside and ourselves a little better.
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