Mustaches for Maddie - by Chad Morris & Shelly Brown

About the Book

Based on the true story of the authors' daughter, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was 12 years old. Maddie courageously battles her illness and fears while embodying a spirit of compassion, humor, and grace throughout her health setbacks and the usual trials of navigating middle school.

Book Synopsis

Based on a true story.

Twelve-year-old Maddie has a quirky sense of humor and loves making her classmates laugh by slapping on fake mustaches every chance she gets. Being funny gets her noticed by class queen Cassie, and things are looking up when Maddie is cast as Juliet in the school play. Maybe Juliet could wear a mustache?

When Maddie starts tripping when she walks and her hand starts curling up at her side, her mom takes her to the doctor, who confirms Maddie has a brain tumor. In an instant, her world is turned upside down.

Maddie doesn't want anyone else to know. Especially Cassie, whose jealousy has turned to bullying. What about Maddie's chance to play Juliet opposite the cutest boy in the sixth grade? What if the doctors can't get the ugly tumor monster out of her brain?
As Maddie's surgery approaches, she wonders if her illness is giving her super powers because her imagination is bigger than ever, her courage is stronger than ever, and her compassion is about to be felt by more people than she ever imagined.

Review Quotes

Grade 4-5 for 2018-2019-- "Alabama Camellia Children's Choice Award nominee"

Grades 4-6 category--2019-20 Nominee "Missouri Mark Twain Award"

2018--Grade 3-5 category "Ohio Buckeye Award winner"

2019 nominee-- "Rhode Island Children's Book Award"

"A moving novel about a truly brave girl. Maddie is a wonderfully thoughtful, creative, and funny protagonist, with whom readers will identify as she grapples with her social and physical challenges. This poignant and uplifting novel is a good read-alike for fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder."-- "School Library Journal" (8/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)

"Follows the experiences of a young girl with an active imagination as she battles the biggest struggle of her life - a brain tumor. Although the subject matter is heavy, this book is not. The seriousness of the situation is offset by Maddie's strong sense of self and her ability to conquer obstacles through her imagination. Most of her humor is slapstick and court jester-like in nature, which makes for a fun read. This book does an excellent job of describing medical procedures in an accurate, yet non-threatening way. Some of the procedures include: getting shots, MRI, surgeries, being alone for some procedures, fears and feelings of being seriously ill, etc.

Throughout the book Maddie also deals with the issues a typical twelve-year-old would face: social pressures, relational aggression on the playground/classroom, the struggle between right and wrong, discovery of self, new crushes, etc.

Maddie is a very engaging character that is easy to fall in love with. She is quirky and different, and yet down-to-earth and relatable. This book is ideal for a wide range of readers including anyone going through a hard time - medical or otherwise. However, it is also good for those who are on the outside, who may want to help someone going through a hard time. There are discussion questions at the end of the book, which are great for group discussion, book clubs, or even one to one."

-- "Compass Book Ratings" (10/24/2017 12:00:00 AM)

"Maddie's offbeat sense of humor is the heart of this story from spouses Morris and Brown, which was inspired by their own daughter. Maddie learns to stand up for herself and face her fears head-on in this moving story of courage and heart. Morris and Brown balance the gravity of Maddie's illness with her buoyant imagination as she navigates the reality of the surgery she needs and the politics of sixth grade."-- "Publishers Weekly" (8/21/2017 12:00:00 AM)

"Mustaches and the magic of cards unexpectedly come in handy when a brain tumor challenges a brave 12-year-old girl. Reflects the ups and downs of a young person braving a terrifying journey. Morris and Brown capture the interests of middle grade readers from the get-go with Maddie's high energy, imaginative narration and her love for sporting fake mustaches. Amid surgeries there are topics that Maddie ruminates on, such as life, friendship and the importance of accepting oneself. Very funny yet poignant, an encouraging read."-- "BookPage" (10/2/2017 12:00:00 AM)

"When the neurologist says Maddie has a brain tumor and needs surgery, and that the surgery might change her personality, or even end her life. Maddie doesn't want anyone to know, but Mom convinces her to tell. Much to Maddie's surprise, it turns out she has a ton of supporters, who all start wearing mustaches, too...to help Maddie bear her long, tough treatment. Based on the authors' experience, this sweet, hopeful, believable, and unsentimental tale rings true. Being brave, growing up, true friendship--this has it all."-- "Booklist" (11/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Chad Morris and Shelly Brown are the proud parents of four sons and one daughter, Maddie, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was nine.
Chad grew up wanting to become a professional basketball player or a rock star. Neither of those plans quite panned out, so he wrote and performed sketch comedy while going to college. Now he's a teacher and a writer.
Shelly loves to write books for children. In her spare time, she enjoys the theater and traveling. In addition to her five children, she has three chickens and sixty-four Pez dispensers.