Nix Minus One - by Jill MacLean (Paperback)

About the Book

Now in a new paperback edition! From the award-winning author, Jill MacLean, comes a free-verse story about a boy, a dog, and the way they save each other.

Book Synopsis

"The hard-won hopefulness of Nix's growth will linger with [readers] long after the poetry ends."--School Library Journal

Nix Humbolt doesn't talk much. He lies low at school, and at home, Nix finds refuge in his father's woodshop where he builds intricate boxes and tables--and avoids arguments with his older sister, Roxy. She is loud, confident, rebellious, and the polar-opposite of Nix. Though he loves her, she can really annoy him sometimes--especially when she decides to date Bryan Sykes. The guy is seriously toxic, but Roxy won't listen to facts, so what can Nix do? The only battles he ever fights are on his Xbox--until the day he finds the guts to fight for Swiff Dunphy's neglected dog. Twig won't win any beauty contests, but Nix is determined to save her. And when the unimaginable happens, could Twig be the one who saves him?

Award-winning author, Jill MacLean, brings Nix's free-verse story to life with poignancy and heart. Jill is the author of five novels for older juvenile and young adult readers. Nix Minus One is a prestigious White Ravens Selection and Bank Street Best Book.

Review Quotes

. . . a story about a young man finding out who he really is. A strong book.-- "CBC summer Book Panel"

. . . a well-paced story that will leave readers thoroughly engaged with the characters.-- "The Montreal Gazette"

. . . an exceptional novel that is not to be missed.-- "Winnipeg Free Press"

[A] sensitive story . . . Beautifully descriptive . . .-- "The Calgary Herald"

[MacLean's] writing is strong and fluid but laced with vulnerability.-- "CanLit for LittleCanadians"

As Nix struggles to find his voice, MacLean soothes us with the gorgeousness of her writing, the spare but perfect free verse of this unforgettable gem.-- "Open Book Toronto"

MacLean has produced another wonderful novel. She is to be applauded for respecting her readership and refusing to shy away from difficult topics . . . **Highly Recommended.**-- "CM Magazine"

Readers used to a diet of cliché-ridden YA fiction will enjoy this refreshing take on the teenage plight . . . [T]he hard-won hopefulness of Nix's growth will linger with them long after the poetry ends.-- "School Library Journal"

The novel's strength comes from the authenticity of Nix's emotional evolution . . . This is an absorbing, emotionally resonant book.-- "Quill & Quire"

The story is complex and engaging, and the deep themes make this an excellent novel for study and discussion-- "Canadian Children's Book News"

This meticulously-crafted novel-in-verse is as finely-honed as one of Nix's own woodworking projects . . . While Nix struggles to find his voice, MacLean's impeccable poetry - spare, evocative, and affecting - enables readers to enter into his mind and heart. And they will be amply rewarded by the experience.-- "Atlantic Books Today"

Well-crafted and intense, an engrossing family drama in which both young and old learn what it means to grow up.-- "Kirkus"

Writing with careful, evocative language, MacLean explores love in myriad forms.-- "Publishers Weekly"

YAs who are drawn to contemporary fiction and verse novels won't want to miss this . . .-- "Booklist"