āA powerful and thought-provoking story.āāShelf Awareness (starred review)
āAn emotionally resonant story about authenticity and belonging.āāKirkus Reviews (starred review)
āA raw, real exploration of belonging thatās also sweetly hopeful.āāPublishers Weekly (starred review)
Every day in Fawn Creek, Louisiana, is exactly the sameāuntil Orchid Mason arrives. From Erin Entrada Kelly, the winner of the Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe and a Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space, this contemporary school story set in small-town Louisiana is about friendship, family, deception, and being true to yourself and your dreams.
There are twelve kids in the seventh grade at Fawn Creek Middle School. Theyāve been together all their lives. And in this small factory town where everyone knows everything about everyone, thatās not necessarily a great thing.
There are thirteen desks in the seventh-grade classroom. Thatās because Renni Deanās father got a promotion, and the family moved to Grand Saintlodge, the nearest big town. Renniās desk is empty, but Renni still knows their secrets; is still pulling their strings.
When Orchid Mason arrives and slips gracefully into Renniās chair, the other seventh graders donāt know what to think. Orchidāwho was born in New York City but just moved to Fawn Creek from Parisāseems to float. Her dress skims the floor. Sheās wearing a flower behind her ear.
Fawn Creek Middle might be small, but it has its tightly knit groupsāthe self-proclaimed āGod Squad,ā the jocks, the outsidersājust like anyplace else. Who will claim Orchid Mason? Who will save Orchid Mason? Or will Orchid Mason save them?
Newbery Medal and Newbery Honor winner Erin Entrada Kelly explores complex themes centered on family, friendships, and staying true to yourself. Those Kids from Fawn Creek will enchant fans of Rebecca Stead, Jerry Spinelli, and Kate DiCamillo.