Just Like That

Written by Gary D. Schmidt

Narrated by Leah Horowitz

In this unforgettable, gently humorous novel, New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt tells two poignant, linked stories: that of a grieving girl and a boy trying to escape his violent past.

 

Meryl Lee Kowalski is sent to a girls' boarding school in fall 1968 to move on from her grief over a close friend's death. Matt Coffin is on the run from a criminal gang, afraid that anyone he cares about is at risk. When their paths cross, the pair’s connection begins to shape each of their lives. As their loneliness is gradually replaced by friendship, Meryl Lee finds unexpected allies and a sense of purpose, while Matt finds a new family and hope for the future.

 

This riveting novel is Wednesday Wars author Gary D. Schmidt at his best, weaving in powerful themes and raising tears and laughter in equal measure.

 

"Set in 1968, Just Like That is part of an outstanding series that began with Newbery Honor recipient The Wednesday Wars and continued in Okay for Now, a finalist for the National Book Award. While each book can be read separately, overlapping characters and themes enrich each other in understated and often profound ways." (BookPage starred review)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781980098829

Gary D. Schmidt

Gary D. Schmidt is the bestselling author of The Labors of Hercules Beal; Just Like That; National Book Award finalist Okay for Now; Pay Attention, Carter Jones; Orbiting Jupiter; the Newbery Honor and Printz Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; and the Newbery Honor Book The Wednesday Wars. He lives in rural Michigan.

Reviews for Just Like That

[happymama23 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love Gary Schmidt’s books, especially Okay For Now, and this has been another awesome one. I loved how he joined Matt and Mary Lee’s stories. Matt’s especially was fascinating and yet heartbreaking. But Schmidt took both their heartbreaks and helped them heal through each other.

[megan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved seeing more of the life of the kids at camilo jr.high. This is a great book to read after Wednesday wars. I loved seeing the prospective of the girl Instead of hood hood like in the last book. Great read for anyone who has read Wednesday wars or pay attention. 5/5 stars ! ⭐️ also you find so much more about there lives and big things happen!

[framberg_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Heartbreaking and hopeful from page 1 (well, the heartbreak starts on page 2, really), the third book (4th if you count Pay Attention, Carter Jones) of Gary D. Schmidt's 1960's series that includes The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now continues with the themes of personal growth, self acceptance, friendship, and community. Schmidt takes his young protagonists seriously, and treats them with loving care without reducing them to stereotypes. Meryl Lee's journey of recovery and discovery is painful and funny in turns, and emotionally resonant.

[bookwyrmm_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It took a while for Meryl Lee's story to really start, although Matthew's was enticing from the get go, but overall, a wonderful book about grief and friendship.

[salsabrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Meryl Lee's parents send her to a girls' boarding school after the death of her best friend Holling. Matt has been homeless and drifting since being involved in street gang life that killed his best friend Georgie. Traumatized by grief, the two meet by chance. Their stories parallel each other's until they find their way to friendship and healing, and maybe even something more. Gary Schmidt has an unmistakably distinctive voice and style and this book is all of that. As terrific as his writing is though, I can't think of any kids I serve who would read or appreciate it. Sad face emoji.

[kimpiddington · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I wasn't sure I could forgive the author for what he does to Holling (the main character from Wednesday Wars) in the opening pages. I actually screamed, "No!" VERY loudly and had to put the book down for a bit. But Schmidt won me over with this cast of characters. I smiled. I cried. I cheered. I bit my lips in anticipation. Bravo- I loved it and have already bought my grandson his own copy.