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What Makes You Happy

Illustrated by Jimmy Gownley
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About The Book

Meet Amelia Louise McBride, age twelve. She’s been forced to move out of Manhattan after her parents’ divorce, and is now living in a small town with her mom and her aunt Tanner. She has to deal with being the new kid in school, finding the right friends, getting sent to the principal’s office (many times)—not to mention getting her first kiss. But with the help of G.A.S.P. (Gathering of Awesome Super Pals) members Reggie, Rhonda, and Pajamaman, Amelia knows everything’s going to be okay. Except, of course, when it isn’t. Jimmy Gownley’s graphic-novel series has been nominated for multiple Eisner and Harvey Awards, and is already a hit with kids and librarians alike. Now, ginee seo books/Atheneum Books for Young Readers is proud to present new editions of the first two books in this acclaimed series. Called “a character to rival Ramona” by School Library Journal, Amelia is funny, generous, and real—and reading her is an addictive pleasure that will hook middle-grade readers from the first panel to the last.

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 (August 25, 2009)
  • Length: 176 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781416986058
  • Ages: 7 - 12

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Raves and Reviews

"Unwraps a kid's-eye view of life honestly, poignantly, and with a hefty dollop of melodrama." -- Booklist

"Highly recommended for all ages." -- Library Journal

"A Peanuts for the twenty-first century." -- Comics Buyer's Guide

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More books from this author: Jimmy Gownley

More books in this series: Amelia Rules!