Hello, Goodbye - by Kate Stollenwerck (Paperback)

About the Book

A charming and heartfelt novel about a girl helping her grandmother unravel an old family secret that leads to adventure and love over one unforgettable summer.

Book Synopsis

Fifteen-year-old Hailey Rogers is sure her summer is ruined when her parents tell her she has to spend a few days a week, every week, helping her grandmother, Gigi. Although Gigi only lives across town, Hailey never sees her and knows little about her. But Gigi is full of surprises--and family secrets. Throw in the gorgeous boy down the street, and Hailey's ruined summer might just be the best of her life.

Then tragedy strikes, lies are uncovered, and Hailey's life suddenly falls apart. After unearthing clues in an old letter written by her great-grandfather, she takes off on a road trip to solve the family mystery with the only person she can trust. In a forgotten Texas town, the past and the present collide--and Hailey is forced to choose what she truly values in life.

Review Quotes

2022 Writers' League of Texas Discovery Prize winner for Middle Grade/Young Adult fiction
2022 Florida Book Awards Gold Medal Winner in Young Adult

"Well-written and engaging, this story has an authentic voice. . ."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Stollenwerck's heartfelt debut . . . utilizes accessible language, tender intergenerational bonds, and a steady pace to thoughtfully unfurl one teen's family history."
--Publishers Weekly

"This coming of age book has a little something for everyone: romance, mystery, history, family relationships and most important, the power of
love."
--Youth Services Book Review, Starred review

"Hello, Goodbye is a moving, heartfelt story about life-altering family secrets, confronting the past, and the healing power of human connection. This story will stay in your heart long after the last page."
--Robin Reul, author of Where the Road Leads Us and My Kind of Crazy

"Hello, Goodbye is one utterly compelling 'sweet ride.' In this wise and engaging debut, Stollenwerck deftly weaves together a coming-of-age story with themes of love, loss, the joy of music, and the downstream weight of long-held family secrets. Most of all, Hello, Goodbye will leave you yearning for a Gigi of your own."
--Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman, coauthors of Girls with Bright Futures

"You will fall in love with smart and spunky Hailey Rogers and her unusual coming-of-age story, its beautiful kaleidoscope of colorful characters and history. Stollenwerck surprises you at every turn of the page and, with a soft touch, teaches a new generation what we must never forget."
--Leora Krygier, author of Do Not Disclose

"This heartwarming coming-of-age story of a teen girl reconnecting with her estranged grandmother is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and adventure, making this book a sure bet for fans of Sarah Dessen and Kasie West. A pitch-perfect debut that hits all the heartstrings!"
--Rektok Ross, author of Ski Weekend