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From the acclaimed authors of Hurricane Season and Ana on the Edge, an unforgettable story about the importance of and joy in finding a community, for fans of Alex Gino and Ashley Herring-Blake.

Twelve-year-old Abigail (she/her/hers) is so excited to spend her summer at Camp QUILTBAG, an inclusive retreat for queer and trans kids. She can’t wait to find a community where she can be herself—and, she hopes, admit her crush on that one hot older actress to kids who will understand.

Thirteen-year-old Kai (e/em/eir) is not as excited. E just wants to hang out with eir best friend and eir parkour team. And e definitely does not want to think about the incident that left eir arm in a sling—the incident that also made Kai’s parents determined to send em somewhere e can feel like emself.

After a bit of a rocky start at camp, Abigail and Kai make a pact: If Kai helps Abigail make new friends, Abigail will help Kai's cabin with the all-camp competition. But as they navigate a summer full of crushes, queer identity exploration, and more, they learn what's really important. Camp QUILTBAG is a heartfelt story full of the joy that comes from being and loving yourself.

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Praise for Nicole Melleby:
"This emotional read shows the power of friendship and family without omitting the work that goes into loving someone."
Booklist, starred review (The Science of Being Angry)
"A strong recommendation for readers who enjoy contemplative, character-driven stories like those by Ashley Herring Blake."
School Library Journal, starred review (The Science of Being Angry)
"Sprinkled with astronomy-related metaphors related to a planet’s properties, this acutely observed, authentically told tale by Melleby thoughtfully portrays Pluto’s relationship with her worried single mother, the girl’s urgent desire to 'be fixed,' and her intense—and at times overpowering—depressive episodes."
Publishers Weekly, starred review (How to Become a Planet)
"A raw yet honest portrayal of a young person’s experience with depression, this is a must-read for both middle grade readers and the teachers, counselors, parents, and other adults who interact daily with youth undergoing similar experiences."
School Library Journal, starred review (How to Become a Planet)
"This funny, tender, and heart-wrenching story will have readers calling for an encore."
Kirkus Review, starred review (In the Role of Brie Hutchens. . .)
"Melleby paints Brie as a recognizable teen. . . Wrenching and genuine."
Publishers Weekly, starred review (In the Role of Brie Hutchens. . .)
"Melleby deftly tackles weighty topics—mental illness, child protective services, single parenting, sexuality—while effortlessly weaving in elements of the life and works of Vincent van Gogh, creating a thoughtful, age-appropriate and impressive novel."
Shelf Awareness, starred review (Hurricane Season)
"Melleby’s debut offers a tender, earnest portrait of a daughter searching for constancy while negotiating her father’s sickness and the social challenges of tween girlhood, including her first crush on a girl."
Publishers Weekly, starred review (Hurricane Season)
"Fig’s story will engage middle grade readers who enjoy thoughtful novels that address complex topics."
School Library Journal, starred review (Hurricane Season)
Praise for A. J. Sass:
"Sass’ sophomore novel shines in its nuanced characterizations, subversion of stereotypes, and world that celebrates autism for the joy it brings Ellen when they are happily flapping. A tender, sweet coming-of-age story."
Booklist, starred review (Ellen Outside the Lines)
"[T]houghtfully deals with gender identity and fluidity at various levels. A heartwarming and inviting book. Recommended for all middle grade shelves."
School Library Journal, starred review (Ellen Outside the Lines)
"Sass masterfully balances Ana's passion for competitive figure skating with her journey to coming out....Sensitive and realistic."
Booklist, starred review (Ana on the Edge)

On Sale: May 30, 2023
Page Count: 352 pages
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9781523524020

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Nicole Melleby

About the Author

Nicole Melleby, a New Jersey native, is the author of highly praised middle-grade books, including the Lambda Literary finalist Hurricane Season, ALA Notable book How to Become a Planet, Camp QUILTBAG (co-written with A. J. Sass), and The House on Sunrise Lagoon series. She's also the author of Sunny and Oswaldo, her debut picture book. She lives with her wife and their cats, whose need for attention oddly aligns with Nicole’s writing schedule. Visit her online at nicolemelleby.com.

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A. J. Sass

About the Author

A. J. Sass (he/they) is the author of the ALA Rainbow Book List Top 10 titles Ellen Outside the Lines, which was also a Sydney Taylor Honor Book, and Ana on the Edge, as well as Camp QUILTBAG (co-written with Nicole Melleby). He grew up in the Midwest and South, spending many of his summers with his family enjoying the beautiful Northwoods lakes and scenery in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his husband and two cats who act like dogs. He invites you to visit him online at sassinsf.com.

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Nicole Melleby

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