Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz

Happy Monday! It is always an exciting day when Elly Swartz stops by Watch. Connect. Read. to celebrate books and finish my sentences. We discussed Dani, Eric, ADHD, Dear Student 's paperback edition, and more. I wrote the words in purple, and she wrote the words in black . Thank you, Elly!  Jen Bricking’s cover illustration and Jade Rector’s cover design for Hidden Truths are breathtakingly beautiful and filled with emotion. Every detail on the cover, from the Cape Cod sandy beach to Dani’s empty charm bracelet, Eric’s comic book drawing, the red tub of baseballs and, of course, Casey the dog, are integral parts of the book. Jen and Jade’s attention to the story elements and the characters’ joy, frustrations, and fears are what makes this cover truly so special. And it wraps around!! Aw, I love it! Dani and Eric are neighbors and best friends navigating the challenges of middle school, mean girls, social media fame, bullying, and crushes. Not to mention, a rift in their own friendship. Written in dual POV, the reader gets to hear from both Dani and Eric as they each tell their side. Dani is strong, empowered and knows exactly what she wants—to be the first girl on the all-boys’ baseball team. She’s tired of hearing, “Blah, blah, blah, you’re good for a girl.” Eric is loyal and goofy, loves crossword puzzles and Iron Man, and has ADHD. Unlike Dani, he has no idea what he wants, but is totally okay doing lots of different things. They share a love of donuts and hotdogs and superheroes. Until an accident happens on their annual camping trip. Dani’s injured and her dream is sidelined. Eric fears it’s all his fault. Lies are told, secrets are kept, promises are made. Dani drifts away from Eric, and in the end, learns it isn’t what you do that matters, but who you are. Eric, defying expectations, takes on a big company to keep his promise to Dani and fight for what he thinks is right. He learns what others see as a weakness in him, is really his superpower. Both stories come together to breakdown stereotypes and explore issues of guilt and the healing power of forgiveness. So, John, the real question is are you #TeamEric or #TeamDani? I will get back to you! :) :)  In the summer of 2001, I wrote a draft of this book. It was actually the first book I ever wrote. And it only took me 22 years to get right! (cue laughter!) But oh how grateful I am that I finally get to tell this story of friendship and promises and fighting for what you believe in. Hidden Truths asks the questions that are on the minds of so many kids: What does it mean fight for something you believe in? How far would you go to do the right thing? And what happens when the right thing has consequences that can hurt the ones we care most about? Is it still the right thing? John, this story is truly a testament to believing in yourself and never giving up! Dear Student ’s paperback edition flies into the world on Valentine’s Day! (The new blue spine is amazing!) As you know, not all books get slated for paperback, so I’m incredibly grateful to my editor, Wendy Loggia, and the entire Delacorte Press/RHCB family for believing in me and this story. Access to story is everything. And Dear Student in paperback means more readers will be able to meet Autumn and see themselves in the pages of her story. John Schu, you should have asked me about the Hidden Truths preorder campaign. It’s easy and you can win a free virtual visit with me! All you have to do is: ♥ Preorder a copy (oh, please preorder a copy : ) ♥ Send proof to [email protected] Easy Peasy. Once you do that, you’ll be entered to win the free virtual visit with me. If you want a personalized, signed copy, just preorder from either of my amazing, local independent bookstores: ♥ Eight Cousins ♥ Wellesley Books And one last wonderful thing to share!! A portion of all my preorder proceeds will be donated to Kind Cotton – an amazing company that donates a book to a child for every purchase of their positive message clothing. Their mission – spread kindness. I love it! Thank you, Elly!! Photo Credit: Greg Swartz Elly Swartz loves writing for kids, visiting schools, Twizzlers, walking her pups, and doing anything with family. She grew up in Yardley, Pennsylvania, studied psychology at Boston University, and received a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Elly is the author of 5 contemporary middle grade novels. Finding Perfect , Smart Cookie , Give and Take , Dear Student and Hidden Truths . She travels the country meeting with thousands of students each year to empower their own personal narrative. Elly resides in Massachusetts. Connect with her at ellyswartz.com , on Twitter @ellyswartz or on Instagram @ellyswartzbooks . Look for Hidden Truths  on October 31, 2023.