For as long as Robinson Hart can remember, itβs just been her and Grandpa. He taught her about cars, baseball, and everything else worth knowing. But Grandpaβs memory has been getting badβso bad that he sometimes canβt even remember Robbieβs name.
Sheβs sure that sheβs making things worse by getting in trouble at school, but she canβt resist using her fists when bullies like Alex Carter make fun of her for not having a mom.
Now sheβs stuck in group guidanceβand to make things even worse, Alex Carter is there too. Thereβs no way Robbieβs going to open up about her life to some therapy group, especially not with Alex in the room. Besides, if she told anyone how forgetfulΒ Grandpaβs been getting lately, theyβd take her away from him. Heβs the only family she hasβand itβs up to her to keep them together, no matter what.
Praise for Just Like Jackie:
"I was truly moved by this refreshing story about a scrappy young heroine and her struggle to protect her family."βSara Pennypacker, New York Times bestselling author of Pax
βJust Like Jackie is a lovely story of acceptanceβabout what makes a family and how we make our own families, and about embracing our differences.ββAnn M. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Rain Reign
"A fresh coming-of-age novel as feisty, funny, and forthright as its protagonist. Robinson overcomes obstacles with wit, grit, and a growing compassion for others, showing us that families are what we make them and happiness is found in the simple gifts we take for granted. A rich, rewarding read all around."βJohn David Anderson, author of Ms. Bixby's Last Day
βAs close to perfect as a book for middle grade children can get!ββCammie McGovern, author of Just My Luck
? "Stoddard debuts with a quiet but powerful narrative that gently unpacks Alzheimerβs, centers mental health, and moves through the intimate and intense emotional landscape of familyβwhat seems to break one and what can remake it. Validating, heart-rending, and a deft blend of suffering and inspiration."βKirkus Reviews (starred review)
βA home-run story that will resonate with all who feel they might not fit into the perfect definition of a family.ββSchool Library Journal
βDebut author Stoddard crafts a winning narrator in Robinson. A beautiful story about the true meaning of family, perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt.ββBooklist
Lindsey Stoddard was born and raised in Vermont. She spent twelve years living in NYC and taught middle school English at MS 324 in the neighborhood of Washington Heights. She recently moved back to Vermont with her husband and two children. Right as Rain is her second novel, following the acclaimed Just Like Jackie.