{"product_id":"just-like-that-9780544084773","title":"Just Like That","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn this unforgettable, gently humorous novel, \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMeryl 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis riveting novel is \u003cem\u003eWednesday Wars \u003c\/em\u003eauthor Gary D. Schmidt at his best, weaving in powerful themes and raising tears and laughter in equal measure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Set in 1968, \u003cem\u003eJust Like That\u003c\/em\u003e is part of an outstanding series that began with Newbery Honor recipient \u003cem\u003eThe Wednesday Wars\u003c\/em\u003e and continued in \u003cem\u003eOkay for Now\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\" (\u003cem\u003eBookPage\u003c\/em\u003e starred review)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGary D. Schmidt\u003c\/b\u003e is the best-selling author of \u003ci\u003ePay Attention, Carter Jones; \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eOrbiting Jupiter; \u003c\/i\u003ethe Newbery Honor and Printz Honor book \u003ci\u003eLizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy;\u003c\/i\u003e the Newbery Honor book \u003ci\u003eThe Wednesday Wars; \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eOkay for Now\u003c\/i\u003e. He is a professor of English at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. hmhbooks.com\/schmidt\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Clarion Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50660109222162,"sku":"9780544084773","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_76125fcf-7aad-4ea7-adca-058510ba5abc.jpg?v=1733470338","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/just-like-that-9780544084773","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}