In a courageous debut novel, Holly M. McGhee explores the loss that shakes one girl's world -- and the unexpected consequences of the things we do for love.

Sussy and Guy are best friends, fourth-graders who share their silliest thoughts and deepest hopes. One afternoon, the two of them decide they must have something of their very own to love. After a trip to the pet store, they bring home a spotted lizard, the one with the ancient face and starfish toes, and they name her Matylda (with a y so it's all her own). With Guy leading the way, they feed her and give her an origin story fit for a warrior lizard. A few weeks later, on a simple bike ride, there is a terrible accident. As hard as it is, Sussy is sure she can hold on to Guy if she can find a way to love Matylda enough. But in a startling turn of events, Sussy reconsiders what it means to grieve and heal and hope and go on, for her own sake and Matylda's. By turns both devastating and buoyant, this story is a brave one, showing how far we can justify going for a real and true friend.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 03/14/2017
ISBN: 9780763689513
Pages: 224
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 7.80h x 5.60w x 1.00d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2016
Booklist 01/01/2017 pg. 94
Publishers Weekly 01/09/2017
School Library Journal 02/01/2017 pg. 90
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2017
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2017 pg. 100 - Recommended, Satisfactory

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 190733 / Matylda, Bright & Tender
Reading Level: 4.2 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 5