The Goldwyn County Candy Ban

For Chat Kelley, middle school is a battlefield of bullies, impossible pop quizzes, and the pressure to get good grades. His only shields are his best friend Freddie and the quiet woods behind his school-but when he stumbles upon something hidden in those woods, his next choice could have serious consequences.

Meanwhile, in Chat's sleepy southern county, Judge Emmanuel Meeks has banned candy. His zealous supporters eagerly tell on their neighbors, sowing suspicion and fear.

Chat and Freddie are pulled into the orbit of Jimmy Sweetwater, a tough-talking, charismatic rebel whose family has a history of defying the establishment. As tensions rise, Chat's crew must embrace adventure and overcome escalating trials if they're to stand up to the vilest boy in all of Goldwyn County.

Chat faces ever growing obstacles and becomes infatuated with a mysterious girl, unaware that pursuing her could lead to more trouble. And as conflicts among the adults in the community darken, Chat discovers that finding your voice comes at a cost-when choosing a side means everything.

For fans of Holes and The Outsiders, The Goldwyn County Candy Ban is a darkly comical coming-of-age story about friendship, courage, and learning what it truly means to stand up.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Goldwyn County Press
Published: 01/10/2026
ISBN: 9798218912833
Pages: 336
Weight: 0.99lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.75d