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The Meaning of Life . . . and Other Stuff

Illustrated by Jimmy Gownley
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About The Book

Amelia McBride may be growing up, but she’s feeling down. If there’s one theme to her life, it’s that nothing lasts: not her parents’ marriage, not Aunt Tanner’s support, not the clubhouse for the Gathering of Awesome Super Pals (G.A.S.P.), not even her new spot on the stupid cheerleading squad. And while she’s learning all kinds of things about foot fungus, cheerwitches, and Reggie—who thinks Rhonda is CUTE?!—there’s still one thing Amelia can’t figure out, and that’s the meaning of life. It takes a grownup sort of tragedy for Amelia and her friends to realize that even when the world is scary, and life is as mystifying as ever, some things—like friendship—do last.

In Jimmy Gownley’s touching seventh installment of Amelia Rules!, Amelia may not find all the answers—but she does know how to ask the right questions. Who needs answers, anyway?

About The Author

Photograph by Tawyna Wagner Photography

Jimmy Gownley began writing and drawing comics at the age of fifteen. He is an advocate for kids’ comics, having cofounded the organization Kids Love Comics, which works to promote comic books and graphic novels as a valuable tool for literacy and education in schools, libraries, and at home. He lives with his wife Karen and their twin daughters, Stella and Anna, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

About The Illustrator

Photograph by Tawyna Wagner Photography

Jimmy Gownley began writing and drawing comics at the age of fifteen. He is an advocate for kids’ comics, having cofounded the organization Kids Love Comics, which works to promote comic books and graphic novels as a valuable tool for literacy and education in schools, libraries, and at home. He lives with his wife Karen and their twin daughters, Stella and Anna, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (September 27, 2011)
  • Length: 160 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781416986126
  • Ages: 7 - 12

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Awards and Honors

  • Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award
  • Writer's League of Texas Award for Best Book for Young People
  • The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Nominee

Resources and Downloads

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More books from this author: Jimmy Gownley

More books in this series: Amelia Rules!