Kirby Larson

Gut Reaction

Critically acclaimed, bestselling author and Newbery Honor-winner, Kirby Larson, and her daughter, debut author, Quinn Wyatt, pen this gorgeously moving and often funny story that explores what living with a chronic illness is like. Inspired by Quinn’s own personal journey, Gut Reaction is full of heart and humor and highlights the importance of asking for help when it comes to mental and physical health alike.

Tess Medina is still dealing with the loss of her father when she starts at a new school. One way she is still able to feel close to him is by doing what she does best: baking. He taught her everything she knows. But when tasting her creations causes a deep stabbing pain in her abdomen, she tries to power through and be strong in the same way she powers through her emotional pain. She doesn’t mind too much—she’s okay with sharing her baked goods at school in the hopes of making new friends.

Lucky for Tess, her baking skills attract the right kind of attention, and she assembles a ragtag team to help her taste her new and classic creations in preparation for the Jubilee Flour Junior Baker West Coast competition. This is a chance to redeem herself and prove that she’s a star baker. Above all, Tess is desperate to win first place and make her dad proud.

But leading up to the competition, Tess’s pain gets worse and worse, and, soon, she finds that she’s avoiding so many foods that she’s barely eating. When the physical pain becomes too great, Tess will be forced to confront everything she has been trying so desperately to hide.

From Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson and her daughter, debut author Quinn Wyatt, comes a poignant, sometimes silly, and always moving story of coming to grips with grief and finding the sweet filling inside every treat.

Publisher

Scholastic

Publication Date

March 5, 2024

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Contemporary

Rights

JGLM

Shermy and Shake, the Not So Nice Neighbor (Shermy & Shake #1)

“Those looking to transition into longer chapter books will find this one accessible, and the storyline will resonate—readers will be eager to read more in this series….A relatable scenario sets up future books for more summer fun.” –Kirkus

”An improbable friendship develops over summer vacation in this understated slice-of-life story from Larson (the Audacity Jones books).…Earnestly told, low-conflict vignettes affirm the compassion and understanding that friendship can require to bloom.” –Publishers Weekly

“Children new to chapter books will appreciate the book’s wide-spaced lines and its many attractive black-and-white illustrations. Larson, whose Hattie Big Sky (2006) was a Newbery Honor Book, builds a strong foundation for the Shermy and Shake series in this appealing early chapter book.” –Booklist

Publisher

Candlewick

Publication Date

May 9, 2023

Age Category

Chapter Book

Genre

Contemporary

Rights

Candlewick

Shermy and Shake, the Not-So-New Kid (Shermy & Shake #2)

Shermy is excited to learn the new kid in school is none other than his pal Shake, but what if the other kids like Shake better? The two friends’ story, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson, continues with heart and humor.

Being a second grader is even cooler than Shermy imagined. He loves reading new stories (and filling out charts about them!), helping his teacher get organized, and being a good classroom leader. So when the teacher asks Shermy to be a school buddy for the new kid, Shermy says, “Sure!” Imagine his surprise when the new kid turns out to be Shake—Shermy’s summer friend from out of town. This is amazing news! Or is it? Meticulous Shermy and boisterous Shake couldn’t be more different, and soon the other kids are all looking at Shake like he’s a super rare Magic Monster card—and not looking at Shermy at all. Can Shermy and Shake stay buddies now that school is in session? A nuanced story about friendship that shines with authentic humor and understanding, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson and illustrator Shinji Fujioka.

Publisher

Candlewick

Publication Date

May 7, 2024

Age Category

Chapter Book

Genre

Contemporary

Rights

Candlewick

Growing Up with Aloha: A Nanea Classic (#1)

Nine-year-old Nanea may be the youngest in her family, but she still wants to “dip her paddle in” and be useful. She knows she’s grown-up enough to help in her grandparents’ market. But before she can prove that she’s ready for more responsibility, the unthinkable happens: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, the naval base where her father works, and America is at war! With friends and family missing, and rumors of more attacks to come, Nanea worries—will life ever be the same again?

Publisher

American Girl

Publication Date

August 21, 2017

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical Fiction

Rights

American Girl

Hula for the Home Front: A Nanea Classic (#2)

Nanea had hoped that going back to school would make life seem normal again. But everything has changed since the war, including Miss Smith’s wonderful classroom. Nanea’s dear friend Donna is gone, and now there’s a new girl who seems to be getting all of Miss Smith’s attention. There are also worries at home as Nanea’s big brother talks about joining the Army. Nanea can’t bear the thought of him leaving. In the swirl of changes, Nanea turns to hula. Dancing always makes her feel better. Then, Nanea gets a big idea—could hula help lift the spirits of the soldiers, too?

Publisher

American Girl

Publication Date

August 21, 2017

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical Fiction

Rights

American Girl

Duke (Dogs of World War II #1)

With World War II raging and his father fighting overseas in Europe, eleven-year-old Hobie Hanson is determined to do his part to help his family and his country, even if it means giving up his beloved German shepherd, Duke. Hoping to help end the war and bring his dad home faster, Hobie decides to donate Duke to Dogs for Defense, an organization that urges Americans to “loan” their pets to the military to act as sentries, mine sniffers, and patrol dogs. Hobie immediately regrets his decision and tries everything he can to get Duke back, even jeopardizing his friendship with the new boy at school. But when his father is taken prisoner by the Germans, Hobie realizes he must let Duke go and reach deep within himself to be brave. Will Hobie ever see Duke, or his father, again?

With powerful storytelling and gripping emotion, critically acclaimed author Kirby Larson explores the many ways bravery and love help us to weather the most difficult times.

Praise for Duke

“Exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally authentic.” –Kirkus, starred review

“[An] incisive tale of loyalty, patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review

Publisher

Scholastic

Publication Date

August 27, 2013

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical Fiction

Rights

JGLM

Dash (Dogs of World War II #2)

Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Although Mitsi Kashino and her family are swept up in the wave of anti-Japanese sentiment following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsi never expects to lose her home — or her beloved dog, Dash. But, as World War II rages and people of Japanese descent are forced into incarceration camps, Mitsi is separated from Dash, her classmates, and life as she knows it. The camp is a crowded and unfamiliar place, whose dusty floors, seemingly endless lines, and barbed wire fences begin to unravel the strong Kashino family ties. With the help of a friendly neighbor back home, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in spite of the hard times, holding on to the hope that the war will end soon and life will return to normal. Though they’ve lost their home, will the Kashino family also lose their sense of family? And will Mitsi and Dash ever be reunited?

Praise for Dash

“Emotionally satisfying and thought-provoking.” –Kirkus, starred review

“Historical fiction at its best.” –School Library Journal

Publisher

Scholastic

Publication Date

August 26, 2014

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical Fiction

Rights

JGLM

Liberty (Dogs of World War II #3)

Fish has a knack for inventing. His annoying neighbor, Olympia, has a knack for messing things up. But when his latest invention leads Fish to Liberty, a beautiful stray dog who needs a home, he and Olympia work together to rescue her.

However, a friendship that crosses racial lines is not the norm in 1940s New Orleans. But at the Higgins boatyard, where the boats that just might save the Allied forces during World War II are built, the wartime workforce is integrated and includes women and the disabled.

Fish, who suffered from polio and whose dad is away fighting in Europe, looks up to Mr. Higgins, and he’s thrilled when one of his inventions helps Mr. Higgins’s engineers unlock the mechanics of the landing crafts. Mr. Higgins inspires him to be bold and brave. As Fish enlists the help of unexpected friends and allies to save Liberty, he finds his perceptions of the world — of race and war, family and friendship — transformed.

Praise for Liberty

“Larson once again creates an engaging story that is rich in historical details. She purposefully captures both the fear and the hope in a world torn by war as well as the simple love of a boy for his dog. Practically perfect.” –Kirkus, starred review

“A slice-of-life tale for historical fiction fans and animal lovers alike.” –School Library Journal

Publisher

Scholastic

Publication Date

October 11, 2016

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical Fiction

Rights

JGLM

Code Word Courage (Dogs of World War II #4)

Billie has lived with her great-aunt ever since her mom passed away and her dad left. Billie’s big brother, Leo, is about to leave, too, for the warfront. But first, she gets one more weekend with him at the ranch.

Billie’s surprised when Leo brings home a fellow Marine from boot camp, Denny. She has so much to ask Leo — about losing her best friend and trying to find their father — but Denny, who is Navajo, or Diné, comes with something special: a gorgeous, but injured, stray dog. As Billie cares for the dog, whom they name Bear, she and Bear grow deeply attached to each other.

Soon enough, it’s time for Leo and Denny, a Navajo Code Talker, to ship out. Billie does her part for the war effort, but she worries whether Leo and Denny will make it home, whether she’ll find a new friend, and if her father will ever come back. Can Bear help Billie — and Denny — find what’s most important?

A powerful tale about unsung heroism on the WWII battlefield and the home front.

Praise for Code Word Courage

“With background research, including interviews with Navajo code talkers, and a knack for generating a heartwarming, genuine story, Larson seamlessly weaves the lives of the characters into the fabric of the 1944-45 home front setting.” –Booklist

“Remarkable, engaging and highly enjoyable historical fiction for young adults as well as all readers.” –Historical Novel Society

Publisher

Scholastic

Publication Date

April 24, 2018

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical Fiction

Rights

JGLM

Audacity Jones to the Rescue (Audacity Jones #1)

Audacity Jones is an eleven-year-old orphan who aches for adventure, a challenge to break up the monotony of her life at Miss Maisie’s School for Wayward Girls. Life as a wayward girl isn’t so bad; Audie has the best of friends, a clever cat companion, and plenty of books to read. Still, she longs for some excitement, like the characters in the novels she so loves encounter.

So when the mysterious Commodore Crutchfield visits the school and whisks Audie off to Washington, DC, she knows she’s in for the journey of a lifetime. But soon, it becomes clear that the Commodore has unsavory plans for Audie — plans that involve the president of the United States and a sinister kidnapping plot. Before she knows it, Audie winds up in the White House kitchens, where she’s determined to stop the Commodore dead in his tracks. Can Audie save the day before it’s too late?

Praise for the Audacity Jones series

“Larson’s thriller deftly mixes humor, heart-pounding moments, and a strongly evoked historical setting — it’s truly a story with something for everyone.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Larson infuses her romp with plenty of humor, making Audacity, her cat, and friends into lively, likable characters. With characteristic deftness, she weaves her historical material seamlessly into the story; Audacity is a modern girl…. Clever, funny, and sweet in equal measures.” –Kirkus

Publisher

Scholastic

Publication Date

January 26, 2016

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical/Mystery

Rights

JGLM

Audacity Jones Steals the Show (Audacity Jones #2)

Audacity Jones and her best friend, Bimmy, are setting off from Miss Maisie’s School for Wayward Girls on an extraordinary adventure! In the glittering city of New York, the girls meet Harry Houdini, the world’s most famous magician, as he prepares a new spectacle: Houdini plans to make an elephant disappear from a crowded theater.

But Audacity and Bimmy discover a nefarious plot that puts Houdini’s illusion in jeopardy. Who could be trying to sabotage the master magician? Audie will need all her smarts, the help of friends new and old, and even her best juggling skills to solve this mystery. Will she manage to save the show in time?

Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson brings readers a magical romp of a mystery that will delight and thrill to the very last page.

Praise for the Audacity Jones series

“Larson’s thriller deftly mixes humor, heart-pounding moments, and a strongly evoked historical setting — it’s truly a story with something for everyone.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Larson infuses her romp with plenty of humor, making Audacity, her cat, and friends into lively, likable characters. With characteristic deftness, she weaves her historical material seamlessly into the story; Audacity is a modern girl…. Clever, funny, and sweet in equal measures.” –Kirkus

Publisher

Scholastic

Publication Date

January 31, 2017

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical/Mystery

Rights

JGLM

Hattie Big Sky (Hattie Series #1)

Winner of the Newbery Honor

A New York Times bestseller

This Newbery Honor winning, New York Times bestseller celebrates the true spirit of independence on the American frontier.

For most of her life, sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks has been shuttled from one distant relative to another. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she summons the courage to leave Iowa and move all by herself to Vida, Montana, to prove up on her late uncle’s homestead claim.

Under the big sky, Hattie braves hard weather, hard times, a cantankerous cow, and her own hopeless hand at the cookstove. Her quest to make a home is championed by new neighbors Perilee Mueller, her German husband, and their children. For the first time in her life, Hattie feels part of a family, finding the strength to stand up against Traft Martin’s schemes to buy her out and against increasing pressure to be a “loyal” American at a time when anything—or anyone—German is suspect. Despite daily trials, Hattie continues to work her uncle’s claim until an unforeseen tragedy causes her to search her soul for the real meaning of home.

This young pioneer’s story is lovingly stitched together from Kirby Larson’s own family history and the sights, sounds, and scents of homesteading life.

Praise for Hattie Big Sky

“[An] engaging historical novel… [Larson] creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters.” –Booklist, starred review

“Larson… create[s] a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered.” –School Library Journal, starred review

Publisher

Yearling

Publication Date

December 26, 2007

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical Fiction

Rights

Random House

Hattie Ever After (Hattie Series #2)

After leaving Uncle Chester’s homestead claim, orphan Hattie Brooks throws a lasso around a new dream, even bigger than the Montana sky. She wants to be a reporter, knowing full well that a few pieces published in the Arlington News will not suffice. Real reporters must go to Grand Places, and do Grand Things, like Hattie’s hero Nellie Bly. Another girl might be stymied by this, but Hattie has faced down a hungry wolf and stood up to a mob of angry men. Nothing can squash her desire to write for a big city newspaper. A letter and love token from Uncle Chester’s old flame in San Francisco fuels that desire and Hattie jumps at the opportunity to get there by working as a seamstress for a traveling acting troupe. This could be her chance to solve the mystery of her “scoundrel” uncle and, in the process, help her learn more about herself. But Hattie must first tell Charlie that she will not join him in Seattle. Even though her heart approves of Charlie’s plan for their marriage, her mind fears that saying yes to him would be saying no to herself. Hattie holds her own in the big city, literally pitching her way to a byline, and a career that could be even bigger than Nellie Bly’s. But can making headlines compensate for the pain of betrayal and lost love? Hattie must dig deep to find her own true place in the world. Kirby Larson once again creates a lovingly written novel about the remarkable and resilient young orphan, Hattie Inez Brooks.

Praise for Hattie Ever After

“Readers will fall for this earnest, wide-eyed and strong-minded young woman… Historical fiction with heart.” –Kirkus, starred review

“Fans of the first novel will gladly reconnect with this memorable heroine, but the narrative stands firmly on its own, too.” –Publishers Weekly

Publisher

Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Publication Date

February 12, 2013

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical Fiction

Rights

JGLM

Bitty Baby Series (#1-10)

Published by American Girl, the Bitty Baby picture-book collection, brought to life by Newbery Honor Award author Kirby Larson and award-winning illustrator Sue Cornelison, follows a little girl and her beloved Bitty Baby doll as they discover the world around them. The heartwarming tales help little girls shine bright by encouraging curiosity, generosity, confidence, and kindness. Each book also comes with a special “For Parents” section that focuses on the social and emotional experience of preschoolers and offers parents tips to help their little girls become more confident, patient, and independent.

Titles include:

Bitty Baby and Me

Bitty Baby at the Ballet

Bitty Baby Loves the Snow

Bitty Baby the Brave

Princess Bitty Baby

Bitty Baby Has a Tea Party

Bitty Baby Makes a Splash

Bitty Baby Shares a Gift

Publisher

American Girl

Publication Date

2013-2014

Age Category

Picture Book

Genre

Contemporary

Rights

American Girl

Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival

During Hurricane Katrina, evacuating New Orleans residents were forced to leave their pets behind. Bobbi the dog was initially chained to keep her safe, but after her owners failed to return, she had to break free. For months, Bobbi wandered the city’s ravaged streets—dragging her chain behind her—followed by her feline companion, Bob Cat. After months of hunger and struggle, the Two Bobbies were finally rescued by a construction worker helping to rebuild the city. When he brought them to a shelter, volunteers made an amazing discovery about the devoted friends—Bob Cat was actually blind! He had survived the aftermath of the storm by following the sound Bobbi’s chain made as she dragged it along the ground.

At the shelter, the two bob-tailed friends refused to be parted, even for a moment. Could rescue workers find the Bobbies’ owners? Or could they find a new home that would take them together? This remarkable true story of devotion and survival is a testament to the spirit that defined post-Katrina rescue missions, and is a perfect way to commemorate the this day in history.

Praise for Two Bobbies

“An excellent introduction to Katrina for young children, this touching animal tale memorializes a modern catastrophe and pays tribute to the many volunteers who traveled to New Orleans to help.” –School Library Journal

Publisher

Bloomsbury Children's

Publication Date

May 7, 2013

Age Category

Picture Book

Genre

Nonfiction

Rights

Bloomsbury

Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle

A New York Times bestseller

Nubs, an Iraqi dog of war, never had a home or a person of his own. He was the leader of a pack of wild dogs living off the land and barely surviving. But Nubs’s life changed when he met Marine Major Brian Dennis. The two formed a fast friendship, made stronger by Dennis’s willingness to share his meals, offer a warm place to sleep, and give Nubs the kind of care and attention he had never received before. Nubs became part of Dennis’s human “pack” until duty required the Marines to relocate a full 70 miles away—without him. Nubs had no way of knowing that Marines were not allowed to have pets.

So began an incredible journey that would take Nubs through a freezing desert, filled with danger to find his friend and would lead Dennis on a mission that would touch the hearts of people all over the world.

Nubs and Dennis will remind readers that friendship has the power to cross deserts, continents, and even species.

Praise for Nubs

“This is a feel-good entry in the current trend of inspirational true animal stories.” –School Library Journal

Publisher

Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date

November 1, 2009

Age Category

Picture Book

Genre

Nonfiction

Rights

Hachette

The Friendship Doll

I am Miss Kanagawa. In 1927, my 57 doll-sisters and I were sent from Japan to America as Ambassadors of Friendship. Our work wasn’t all peach blossoms and tea cakes. My story will take you from New York to Oregon, during the Great Depression. Though few in this tale are as fascinating as I, their stories won’t be an unpleasant diversion. You will make the acquaintance of Bunny, bent on revenge; Lois, with her head in the clouds; Willie Mae, who not only awakened my heart, but broke it; and Lucy, a friend so dear, not even war could part us. I have put this tale to paper because from those 58 Friendship Dolls only 45 remain. I know that someone who chooses this book is capable of solving the mystery of the missing sisters. Perhaps that someone is you.

Publisher

Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Publication Date

May 10, 2011

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical Fiction

Rights

JGLM

Dear America: The Fences Between Us

Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson brings us the first new Dear America diary in years, taking readers through the attack on Pearl Harbor, the start of World War II, and the Japanese incarceration.

With this sweeping tale of life on the World War II homefront, Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson brings her incredible talent to the Dear America series. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, America is finally unable to ignore the wars raging in Europe and Asia any longer. And one girl’s entire life is about to change when everything she knows is turned on its head. After the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, where her brother, a navy sailor, is stationed, Piper Davis begins chronicling her compelling journey through one of history’s most tragic and unforgettable eras.

Praise for The Fences Between Us

“The thought-provoking themes are supplemented by a comprehensive historical note, photographs, and resources, and an abundance of online activities on the publisher’s site.” –School Library Journal

Publisher

Scholastic

Publication Date

September 1, 2010

Age Category

Middle Grade

Genre

Historical Fiction

Rights

Scholastic

Agent

Gut Reaction

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Shermy and Shake, the Not So Nice Neighbor (Shermy & Shake #1)

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Shermy and Shake, the Not-So-New Kid (Shermy & Shake #2)

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Growing Up with Aloha: A Nanea Classic (#1)

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Hula for the Home Front: A Nanea Classic (#2)

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Duke (Dogs of World War II #1)

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Dash (Dogs of World War II #2)

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Liberty (Dogs of World War II #3)

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Code Word Courage (Dogs of World War II #4)

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Audacity Jones to the Rescue (Audacity Jones #1)

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Audacity Jones Steals the Show (Audacity Jones #2)

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Hattie Big Sky (Hattie Series #1)

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Hattie Ever After (Hattie Series #2)

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