Nothing Is Little - by Carmella Van Vleet

About the Book

Includes author's note about growth disorders.

Book Synopsis

The case of a missing father is hard to crack . . . even for Felix, a tiny kid with a huge heart and an eye for detail.

Eleven-year-old Felix likes being the smallest kid in school.

At least he knows where he fits in. Plus his nickname, "Short-lock Holmes," is perfect for someone who's killing it in forensic science club. To Felix, Growth Hormone Deficiency is no big deal.

And then Felix learns that his biological dad was short, too. This one, tiny, itty-bitty piece of information opens up a massive hole in his life. Felix must find his father. He only has a few small clues to work from, but as Sherlock Holmes said, "To a great mind, nothing is little."

The further Felix gets in his investigation, though, the more he starts to wonder: What if his dad doesn't want to be found? And what if Felix's family--his mom, his stepdad, the baby on the way--needs him right where he is?

Tender and uplifting, this warm novel from Christopher Award-winner Carmella Van Vleet celebrates little differences in us that can make a big impact.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Review Quotes

"Felix's [story] is as internal as it is external. As he follows clues to his father's identity, he learns about the person and friend he himself is beginning to be (while making some age-appropriate blunders)."--The New York Times

"A captivating, humorous, and heartfelt story of friendship, family, and crime-solving."--Kirkus Reviews

"A fresh and funny read that sells itself, and it demonstrates that there is more than one way to grow."--Booklist

"The story keeps a steady pace as it ­alternates between school and home, ­giving a firsthand account of what it's like to be young and faced with decisions that are difficult to navigate. ­Engaging and heartfelt, Van Vleet's title delivers big on the feels. Anyone who's ever been made to feel small will benefit from ­hearing ­Felix's story."--School Library Journal

"Nothing Is Little offers powerful proof that little things can matter in a great big way. What a beautiful book! The most huge-hearted and heartwarming story you'll read this year."--Claudia Mills, author of The Lost Language

"Smart, funny, and memorable. You can't help but love Felix! He has big goals and a great big heart, and he'll live large in your memory long after the final page is turned."--Margi Preus, Newbery Honor-winning author

About the Author

Carmella Van Vleet is a former kindergarten teacher and the author of numerous books for children, including To the Stars!, which was co-authored by astronaut Kathy Sullivan and named to the Amelia Bloomer list. Her debut children's novel, Eliza Bing Is (NOT) a Big, Fat Quitter, received the Christopher Award and was named to four state award master lists. Just like Eliza, Carmella loves tae kwon do--she has earned her black belt! She lives in Ohio and can be found online at carmellavanvleet.com