Description

Edgar Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Mystery * A Kirkus Best Book

Raw and moving, this contemporary realistic debut novel will leave readers of E. Lockhart and Gayle Forman breathless as it unflinchingly unfolds the tragic secrets being kept in a small, deceptively idyllic town.

“Gorgeously written and helmed by a protagonist with an indelibly fierce heart." (starred review from Kirkus)

“Keen plotting, evocative writing, and dynamic characterization make French a writer to watch.” (starred review from Booklist)

Seventeen-year-old Darcy Prentiss has long held the title of “town slut.” She knows how to have a good time, sure, but she isn’t doing anything all the guys haven’t done. But when you’re a girl with a reputation, every little thing that happens seems to keep people whispering—especially when your ex-best friend goes missing.

But if anyone were to look closer at Darcy, they’d realize there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. Staying out late, hooking up, and telling lies is what Darcy does to forget. Forget about the mysterious disappearance of her friend. Forget about the dark secret she and her cousin Nell share.

Forget about that hazy Fourth of July night. So when someone in town anonymously nominates Darcy to be in the running for Bay Festival Princess—a cruel act only someone with a score to settle would make—all of the things that Darcy wants to keep hidden threaten to erupt in ways she wasn’t prepared to handle…and isn’t sure if she can.

About the Author

Gillian French is the author of The Lies They Tell, The Missing Season, and Edgar Award finalist Grit, which was an Indie Next List pick and received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and ALA Booklist. She holds a BA in English from the University of Maine and lives in Maine with her husband and sons. www.gillianfrench.com.

Praise For…

“Tough yet tender, Grit explores new things about the girl everyone thinks they know.” — Mindy McGinnis, award-winning author of The Female of the Species

“Touching, funny, and wise, Grit takes you on a journey you’ll remember long after turning the last page.” — Christina Baker Kline, New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train

★ “Gorgeously written and helmed by a protagonist with an indelibly fierce heart.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ “Keen plotting, evocative writing, and dynamic characterization make French a writer to watch.” — Booklist (starred review)

“Much like Summer’s All the Rage and Smith’s The Way I Used to Be, this [story] explores the damage of a culture that sees women only in regards to their sexual history and not who they are.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Excellent teen drama. This page-turner will hold the interest of mystery fans. A strong choice for most collections.” — School Library Journal

“Lands an effective punch.” — Publishers Weekly

“Gripping. Complex but patient plotting and evocative prose elevate this moody coming-of-age novel.” — The Horn Book