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The Mostly True Story of Jack

By Kelly Barnhill (Hardcover Book, 2011)

When Jack is sent to Hazelwood, Iowa, to live with his crazy aunt and uncle, he expects a summer of boredom. Little does he know that the people of Hazelwood have been waiting for him for a long time. . . .

When he arrives, three astonishing things happen: First, he makes friends-not imaginary friends but actual friends. Second, he is beaten up by the town bully; the bullies at home always ignored him. Third, the richest man in town begins to plot Jack's imminent, and hopefully painful, demise. It's up to Jack to figure out why suddenly everyone cares so much about him. Back home he was practically, well, invisible.

The Mostly True Story of Jack is a tale of magic, friendship, and sacrifice. It's about things broken and things put back together. Above all, it's about finding a place to belong.

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- Format: Hardcover Book
- Price: $16.99 US/$18.50 CAN
- ISBN-13: 9780316056700
- On Sale Date: 08/02/2011
- Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
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Formats Available: Hardcover Book, Trade Paperback, Electronic Book
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Kelly Barnhill is a poet and literary fiction writer. This is her debut children's book. Kelly lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children.

* "Truly splendid...the ultimate page-turner."
(Kirkus Reviews, starred review).
* "Suspense builds steadily, with twists and surprises woven throughout, and friendship emerges as a powerful theme....Barnhill explores the struggle between good and evil and the power of love and sacrifice, creating a provocative and highly original mystery." (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
* "Wonderful in the best possible way: filled with wonders and magic, yes, but magic that is ancient, numinous, and tied to the natural world...Barnhill's first novel for children is a marvel of both plotting and characterization, and it provides a foundation for the omnipresent magic that elevates this title to the first rank of contemporary children's literature." (Booklist, starred review).
* "A compelling story with genuine characters and a deliciously creepy atmosphere. The suspense builds from the very first page...This delightful story will captivate readers with its blend of magic, mystery, and adventure." (VOYA).
"There's a dry wit and playfulness to Barnhill's writing that recalls Lemony Snicket and Blue Balliett...a delightfully unusual gem." (The Los Angeles Times).