Fortune Tellers - by Lisa Greenwald (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants meets That's So Raven in bestselling author Lisa Greenwald's charming middle grade novel about three recently separated best friends who discover the paper fortune tellers they made in third grade are the key to staying close through middle school.

What if your fortunes really came true?

Once upon a time, Millie, Nora, and Bea were best friends who loved slumber parties, exploring their Manhattan neighborhood, and making fortune tellers with their Magic Markers. Now, in the summer before seventh grade, they haven't spoken in over a year--thanks to a big fight, the pandemic shutting down their school, and each girl moving away for different reasons. The girls routinely check each other's social media, but none of them can muster the courage to reach out, even if they might want to.

Then their long-ago paper fortune tellers start popping up in the most unexpected places. The fortunes carry some eerily accurate wisdom for each girl: Your future is hidden in your past. Hold on to the memories. Go back to where you started. Could this be the push the girls need to reconnect and reunite? Or is the gap between them too wide to mend?

Review Quotes

"In this fine successor to Lauren Myracle's TTYL and its sequels, Greenwald (11 Before 12) realistically captures the language of texting tweens, including exuberant use of emoji, and how mistakes can be made and tone misunderstood amid rapid-fire digital conversations." - Publishers Weekly

"Enticing and readable." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Kaylan's first-person voice perfectly captures the horrors of starting at a new school, from the prospect of eating alone in the cafeteria to the awkwardness of meeting a new neighbor boy." - Kirkus Reviews

"A realistic look at situations everyday kids might have to live with, and a sweet story about perspective and making things right with people, as well as finding ways to use your creativity and interests for the good of a community." - Booklist

"Greenwald sensitively captures the social dynamics of middle school, where popularity can take precedence over friendship. Tears and cheers abound in this endearing take on friendship." - Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Absolutely, Positively Natty: "Readers . . . will commiserate with her pain and root for her all the way." - Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Dear Friends: "Through her first-person narration, readers feel up close and personal with all Leni's emotions: the pain, the humor, and the shock. It's the rare individual who can take such an awkward, glorious deep dive, and readers will be grateful to go through everything with Leni as their guide. Uplifting." - Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will be amused by the different friend categories Len comes up with, and her dedication to her mission. VERDICT Middle schoolers trying to navigate ever-shifting relationships will relate to this sweet story. Recommended for juvenile realistic fiction collections." - School Library Journal

"A deep and charming dive into the oh-so-familiar feelings of lost and found friendships. PS Who wouldn't want Eleni as their bff?" - Terri Libenson, New York Times bestselling author of the Emmie & Friends series

Praise for TBH, This Is So Awkward: "Get ready to fall in love with these girls who use their humor and wit (and lots and lots of emojis) to right wrongs and build bridges." - ALA Booklist

"Greenwald successfully blends emojis and text to bring the high drama and emotional changes of middle school to life. This first in a new series for preteens and young teens who value friendship and doing the right thing is pretty endearing." - Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Friendship List #1: 11 Before 12: "This book will entice those who want to read about a relatable, funny young woman." - School Library Journal