Publishers Weekly
05/23/2022
In a thoughtfully rendered novel that considers personal strengths amid societal labels, eighth grader Marianne Blume “didn’t know a lot, but she knew she was stupid.” Marianne has long struggled academically, but to get by in school and navigate her classmates’ mockery, she cultivates a “bubbly and unbothered” persona that masks her drifting thoughts. When her principal shares the news that she may have to repeat a year, she commits to upping her grades. Being left behind by her class—including best friend Skya, who already seems to be making new friendships—is unthinkable. So, desperate to win extra credit from her strict math teacher, Marianne joins three of the school’s smartest kids on Quiz Quest, a variously inclusive club that’s as desperate for members as she is for a passing grade. Despite a rough start, the teammates make a number of important discoveries throughout the season, including observant Marianne’s considerable empathy and social skills. Young (The Prettiest) organically explores concepts of what it means to work hard and be smart through Marianne’s realistically bumpy arc, including apt portrayals of her internal frustrations and negative self-talk. Most characters cue as white. Ages 8–12. Agent: Melissa Edwards, Stonesong. (July)
From the Publisher
"An absolute honor to record this REMARKABLE book, which is a true gift to everybody who has ever felt like they weren't smart enough or couldn't keep up in school. BRIGHT is a gem of a book that brought tears to my eyes!" —Mara Wilson, actress, playwright, and author of Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame
"Real, relatable, and fully dimensional, Marianne is a main character you will root for with all your heart." — Dan Gemeinhart, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Midnight Children
"A winning story about persevering and being enough. I fell in love with Marianne – my heart broke for her even as I was cheering her on. I wanted to wrap her in a hug and tell her to believe in herself. Friendship and heart make Bright a touching and joyful read." -Debbi Michiko Florence, author of Keep It Together, Keiko Carter
"[A] pitch-perfect narrative... A winner, indeed, especially for readers who question their own worth." —Kirkus Review
"[A] thoughtfully rendered novel that... organically explores concepts of what it means to work hard and be smart through Marianne’s realistically bumpy arc." —Publishers Weekly
"A gentle reminder that not everyone is who they seem and a great pick for middle-grade readers searching for where they belong." —Booklist
Kirkus Reviews
2022-04-13
To avoid failing eighth grade, Marianne Blume joins the school’s trivia competition team to earn extra credit. Who knew she had to actually try to win, too?
Whenever Mr. Garcia introduces a new math concept Marianne’s sure she won’t understand, her mind goes into “drift” mode, and now she is struggling and in danger of repeating the grade. On a whim, Marianne joins Quiz Quest, the trivia team Mr. Garcia runs, in order to earn extra credit—but she’s shocked to learn that she not only has to participate, but sincerely help her team. In this pitch-perfect narrative that never moralizes, Marianne represents an often overlooked type of character in middle-grade fiction: She’s a student who’s slipped under most radars, always struggling academically but usually able to scrape by. As Marianne studies intensively with her diverse team members, she begins to understand various ways people learn and recognize her own strengths in emotional intelligence and team building. Quiz Quest also makes her confront her usual coping strategy—acting “stupid,” something she starts to recognize with discomfort that’s often equated with more girly behavior—as deflection. She considers whether she truly embodies this persona, especially when bullies mock her intelligence. Shifting friendships and her older sister’s budding same-sex relationship round out Marianne’s life-changing experiences that conclude with an imperfect yet uplifting end to the school year. Marianne, who comes from an interfaith (Christian and Jewish) family, reads as White.
A winner, indeed, especially for readers who question their own worth. (Fiction. 10-13)
