NUGGET
By John David Anderson
The award-winning author of Posted returns with the story of two kids searching for something—deep-fried, or otherwise—to believe in.
Owen and Noah don’t always see the world the same way: While Noah frets about a dozen different global crises at once, Owen simply struggles to get his math homework done. But they’ve always been best friends. And like so many other kids in their school, they’re struggling—because whether your mom works two jobs to keep the lights on (like Owen’s), or your brother is in treatment for cancer (like Noah’s), or you’re simply sensing that the world feels broken, just getting through the day is a challenge.
But then, in their school cafeteria, divine inspiration strikes. Everyone they know has questions about this world and their place in it, and the answers they’re given by their parents and teachers don’t seem to cut it anymore. And so maybe, Owen and Noah think, they should come up with some answers themselves. Find something that speaks directly to them and their classmates. Something they all can all believe in.
Like a chicken nugget.
So begins a deeply-felt, deeply-fried story in which saving the world feels impossible, but saving each other might not be.
Publishes February 2, 2027
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“A perceptive story about a girl who is struggling to find her way.” — Booklist (Starred Review)
“A well-written, introspective story about the assumptions people make and the journey to belonging..” — Kirkus Reviews
“An underlying current of hope balances the novel’s profound depictions of the protagonist’s need for connection, understanding, and acceptance.” — Publishers Weekly
“This coming-of-age novel offers a creative take on not judging situations by appearances, and it offers a thoughtful perspective on how Kass’ values help shape the person she is becoming, even as she stumbles along the way.” — Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John David Anderson is the author of some of the most beloved and highly acclaimed books for kids in recent memory, including the New York Times Notable Book Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, Posted, Granted, Sidekicked, and The Dungeoneers. A dedicated root beer connoisseur and chocolate fiend, he lives with his wonderful wife and two frawsome kids in Indianapolis, Indiana. He’s never eaten seven scoops of ice cream in a single sitting, but he thinks it sounds like a terrific idea. You can visit him online at www.johndavidanderson.org