Vivian Lantz's Second Chances - by Kathryn Ormsbee (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Groundhog Day meets Eighth Grade in this time-loop story set on the first day of school, from the critically acclaimed author of Candidly Cline.

Vivian Lantz is cursed. Every year, terrible things happen on her first day of school. This year, Vivian has a plan to conquer eighth grade. But eighth grade? Turns out to start with her worst first day yet.

Vivian can't wait to put it all behind her. But instead of waking up to a brand-new day, Vivian somehow gets stuck reliving her catastrophic one. Curse: 9,000 - Vivian: 0. Then she sees her misfortune for what it is: the golden opportunity to get her perfect plan back on track. But when her second chance turns into a third, a fourth, and a fifth, Vivian might have to let go of the perfect day of her dreams... and make a few surprising choices along the way.

This delightfully awkward saga of first crushes, mean-girl drama, and unexpected magic is sure to please fans of Mark Oshiro, Lisa Jenn Bigelow, and Julie Murphy--and any reader who's ever been nervous about their first day of school.

Review Quotes

"A compulsively readable and laugh-out-loud story about identity, family, and how even a 'perfect' day can be messy. I rooted for Vivian on every Monday, and truly fell in love with this book along the way!" -- Katryn Bury, author of the Drew Leclair mysteries

"A warm, engaging coming-of-age tale with a sprinkle of magic." -- Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR CANDIDLY CLINE: "Like a perfect country song, CANDIDLY CLINE sings a sweet and empowering tune of hope, friendship, and the beauty that comes from chasing seemingly impossible dreams. Cline Alden is my hero." -- Ashley Herring Blake, Stonewall Honor author of Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

"Confident, candid, and immensely endearing. Destined for the spotlight." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Warm and hopeful." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Lyrical and full of country twang. Cline is a relatable tween protagonist who shows readers what it takes to live authentically and be true to yourself." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"Thrums with the joy of weaving your heart's whispers into a song for all to hear. Empowering, affirming, and sweet as all get-out." -- Lisa Jenn Bigelow, author of Drum Roll, Please

"Cline Louise Alden is a character you can't help but cheer for in this endearing story about finding your voice and pursuing your dream. A tender exploration of the power of different kinds of love and making your own music." -- Nicole Melleby, author of How to Become a Planet

"Offers readers an inspiring combination of self-awareness, bravery, and passion" -- Horn Book Magazine

"Readers looking to broaden their LGBTQIA+ middle-grade romance collections with a witty, offbeat voice should loop back around to this title." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)