Why read Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone?

Book cover of Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

Book description

In her first novel since winning the Newbery Medal for When You Trap a Tiger, Tae Keller offers a gripping and emotional story about a girl who is alienated by her friends . . . for believing in aliens.

Sometimes middle school can make you feel like you're totally alone…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Kathryn Holmes

Author

Tae Keller turns the sci-fi conceit of the weird kid who believes in aliens into a heartbreaking tale of friendship and bullying.

Mallory abides by the social rules of middle school, whereas her new neighbor, Jennifer, disregards them completely. When Jennifer disappears, Mallory decides to find her, using clues from the missing girl’s journals. Along the way, she has to confront the part she and her friends played in Jennifer’s disappearance.

Keller digs deep into the painful process of trying to fit in. This is a tough, worthwhile read.

From Kathryn's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Jasmine Warga

Author

This is a beautiful and intense book! Jennifer Chan has disappeared, and our protagonist, Mallory, isn’t sure if she’s responsible for Jennifer’s disappearance…or if the aliens Jennifer is obsessed with are. It has a great high concept hook paired with Tae Keller’s gorgeous writing that incisively looks at bullying and the consequences of our actions. I also love the structure that toggles us between the present and past and builds suspense.

From Jasmine's list on middle grade with heart and honesty.