Same Page by Elly Swartz
Happy, happy Thursday from New Jersey! Elly Swartz stopped by to share Same Page 's cover. This is our sixth cover reveal together! Yay! I wrote the words in purple, and she wrote the words in black . Congratulations, Elly! Jen Bricking’s cover illustration and Katrina Damkoehler’s cover design for Same Page are spectacularly warm, beautiful, and filled with emotion. Every detail from the girls’ expressions to the books, the blue notes tucked into the pages, Bess’s Jewish star necklace, and of course, Barnaby the dog – are integral parts of the story. And the yellow caution tape hints of something coming. Something big! So get ready, friends! Jen and Kartina’s ability to capture the heart of this book and depict the rising tension between Bess and June are what make this cover truly special. I love it! Same Page tells the story of take-charge, sixth grader Bess Stein, who brings together friends and a group of rockstar librarians known as the Book Warriors to fight a book ban happening at her middle school. Bess Stein is more than ready to be 6th grade class president. She's got tons of ideas—including a book vending machine—and her new friend June is beside her as vice-president. Together, they're unstoppable! But when the books the girls want included in the vending machine come under fire, Bess is stunned. How can one person believe they have the right to decide what other people can and cannot read? It turns out that June's mom is leading the fight, and now everything's a mess. Bess misses June—but she wants to make sure kids who might like these books get the chance to read them, even if it means she and June can't be friends. With such different opinions, will they ever be on the same page? At its heart, this is a story about friendship, allyship, and doing the right thing even when—or especially when—the right thing is hard to do. It asks the questions that I believe kids (and grown-ups) are asking today. What happens when you and your friend are not on the same page? What if it’s about something big? Something that goes to the very core of who you are? Can you still be friends? Ooooo! I am so excited to share this story! The Book Warriors are my heroes. They are the champions of the right to read. The heart of this story. And the people to whom this book is dedicated. The Same Page dedication reads: To all the Book Warriors. Librarians and teachers, thank you for your heart, your voice, and your courage. In a time of increased censorship and book bans, I am grateful for the librarians and teachers who work tirelessly to protect every child’s right to read a book that reflects their lived experience. I am thankful for their advocacy and their commitment to ensuring that all children feel seen, heard, and respected. It takes a village. I am most grateful they are a part of mine. School librarians are a gift. A necessity. And the heart of every school. Over the years, they see their students grow and change as readers and as people. They stand ready with a book or a shoulder or simply a safe space. They are strong and gentle, compassionate and empathetic, fierce and kind. I am proud to call them my friends. John Schu, you should have asked me about Barnaby – the dog on the cover. He is actually Baxter Bean – my pup! And he’s making his debut in Same Page! Get ready to fall in love, readers. And one last wonderful thing to share!! It’s time. You can now preorder Same Page! GREAT things happen when you do! You can WIN a FREE VIRTUAL VISIT with me when Same Page is published! All you need to do is: ♥ Pre-order a copy (oh, please pre-order a copy : ) ♥ Send proof of purchase to [email protected] Easy Peasy. Once that’s done, you’ll be entered to win the free virtual visit. If you want a personalized, signed copy, be sure to order from either of my amazing, local independent bookstores: ♥ Eight Cousins ♥ Wellesley Books Thank you, Elly! photo credit: Gregory Swartz Elly Swartz is the acclaimed author of six middle grade novels: Finding Perfect, Smart Cookie , Give and Take , Dear Student , Hidden Truths , and Same Page (coming January 2025). Swartz’s books reflect her commitment to raising awareness about mental health and neurodiversity. Her debut novel, Finding Perfect, was named one of the Best Children’s Books About Mental Health by the Child Mind Institute, Dear Student was recommended by Parents Magazine and won the PA State Award for Middle Grade, and Hidden Truths has received starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal, was a Kirkus Best Books of 2023, an Amazon Best Book for November, an Amazon Editors’ pick, The Week Junior Book Club pick, a Project LIT Book Club selection, and a winner of a 2023 Nerdy for Middle Grade Fiction. Same Page releases on January 14, 2025.
