About the Author

Chad Morris is the coauthor of Willa and the Whale, Mustaches for Maddie, and Squint. He is also the author of the futuristic Cragbridge Hall trilogy. He has won the Nebraska Book Award, The Utah Book Award, The Buckeye Children's Book Award, and Foreword review's Book of the Year Gold Winner. He has also appeared on CNN and the Hallmark Channel. He is married to his coauthor, Shelly Brown, lives in Utah, and has five children. Praise for Willa and the Whale: "Moving and buoyant, an insightful tale of grief, loss, and resilience." -Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Squint: "Willa's character offers emotional insight into the layers of grief experienced by someone who loses a parent, and builds empathy in young readers. This must-purchase may challenge readers to keep a dry eye." -School Library Journal (starred review) Praise for Squint: ''Tale of loss and redemption...Likely to find an appreciative audience among young teens.'' ---Kirkus''Pulls off the seemingly impossible; it is an empathy-building novel with a message that's fun to read. Flint is a sharply observant narrator. He is self-deprecatingly humorous rather than self-pitying, and he easily embodies the secret freakishness that many teens feel. Despite the book's dual medical issues, this is not a 'sick kid' book...it sends a strong message about making the most of what you have. The writing is perfectly tuned, trusting its audience enough not to hammer at its main themes. With its sophisticated themes and thoroughly likable main character, Squint takes on a lot and delivers beyond expectations.'' ---Foreword Reviews''Flint and McKell are sympathetic protagonists with relatable concerns and issues. The challenges of middle school are leavened with humor through the 'Middle School Rules' sprinkled throughout the story. A moving story about friendship, loss, and seeing life from other people's point of view. Recommended.'' ---School Library JournalMustaches for Maddie is based on the story of their daughter who faced a brain tumor with humor and optimism. Praise for Mustaches for Maddie: "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"Maddie's offbeat sense of humor is the heart of this story from spouses Morris nd 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 politic's of sixth grade." --Publishers Weekly"The perfect balance of hum

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