Brett McCarthy: Work in Progress - by Maria Padian (Paperback)

About the Book

Eighth-grader Brett McCarthy--once good student and best-friend-to-Diane, now suspended and friendless--faces school and family troubles as she grapples with her redefined life.

Book Synopsis

Brett McCarthy lives for vocabulary words, soccer, and her larger-than-life grandmother, Nonna. Unfortunately, Brett's got a big mouth she can't seem to tame and opinions she can't keep to herself. And she's obsessed with the moment she became redefined and went from good student, bestfriend-to-Diane to twice-suspended, friendless, and deadest meat in Maine. Soon her world has turned upside down, and she's not sure where she fits, what she should do, or how to make right what she, and her big fat mouth, have made wrong. Brett's fresh and funny voice will keep readers laughing out loud at her plights, groaning in sympathy at every misstep, and rooting for her as things go from bad to worst ever possible.

A Spring 2008 Association of Booksellers for Children New Voices Pick

Review Quotes

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, March 3, 2008:
"Forceful and heartwarming, this coming-of-age story examines what happens when old friends are outgrown and loved ones are no longer there to lean on."
Review, Parade, June 22, 2008:
"[A] hilarious coming-of-age story."

About the Author

Maria Padian has worked as a commercial radio news reporter, an essayist for public radio, a press secretary for a U.S. Congressman, and a freelance writer. She lives with her children and husband, and an Australian shepherd, in Maine, where she is at work on a new novel.