Gut Reaction, Kirby Larson
Gut Reaction, Kirby Larson
List: $24.99 | Sale: $17.50
Club: $12.49

Gut Reaction

Author: Kirby Larson, Quinn Wyatt

Narrator: Jen Taylor

Unabridged: 7 hr 54 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/05/2024

Categories: Children's Fiction


Synopsis

Critically acclaimed, bestselling author and Newbery Honor-winner, Kirby Larson, and her daughter, debut author, Quinn Wyatt, pen this gorgeously moving and often funny story that explores what living with a chronic illness is like. Inspired by Quinn's own personal journey, Gut Reaction is full of heart and humor and highlights the importance of asking for help when it comes to mental and physical health alike.Tess Medina is still dealing with the loss of her father when she starts at a new school. One way she is still able to feel close to him is by doing what she does best: baking. He taught her everything she knows. But when tasting her creations causes a deep stabbing pain in her abdomen, she tries to power through and be strong in the same way she powers through her emotional pain. She doesn't mind too much--she's okay with sharing her baked goods at school in the hopes of making new friends.Lucky for Tess, her baking skills attract the right kind of attention, and she assembles a ragtag team to help her taste her new and classic creations in preparation for the Jubilee Flour Junior Baker West Coast competition. This is a chance to redeem herself and prove that she's a star baker. Above all, Tess is desperate to win first place and make her dad proud.But leading up to the competition, Tess's pain gets worse and worse, and, soon, she finds that she's avoiding so many foods that she's barely eating. When the physical pain becomes too great, Tess will be forced to confront everything she has been trying so desperately to hide.From Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson and her daughter, debut author Quinn Wyatt, comes a poignant, sometimes silly, and always moving story of coming to grips with grief and finding the sweet filling inside every treat.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Shannon on March 05, 2024

This was a FANTASTIC middle grade book about getting diagnosed with Crohn's and learning to live with a debilitating chronic illness. Told with humor and heart, this book balances newfound grief over the sudden death of a parent with a shared love of baking, a reality baking competition and the comf......more

Goodreads review by Lauren on June 24, 2024

To start I love that there are several recent middle grade and young adult novels with Crohn’s representation. The main character Tess goes through so much in this book from dealing with her grief from her father’s death, having a new home and school, being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and compet......more

Goodreads review by DaNae on June 15, 2024

Tess, an avid baker, follows in her father’s footsteps. Will grief, a new move, and her intestinal tract get in her way? An honest look at someone living with a chronic disorder. I just wish the book had included recipes. 52 Summer mini: 17) TEAM PURSUIT: Featuring a group of friends......more

Goodreads review by Mrs on July 19, 2024

This was a great one sitting read about Tess and her struggles trying to figure out her gut issues and the problems that they cause for her. Important story about the impact of Crohn’s disease on her daily life and though I agree with some other reviews that the diagnosis was oversimplified, the sto......more

Goodreads review by Amy on April 07, 2024

What an outstanding book! This book touches on many things that middle schoolers deal with, and that are talked about (making friends, struggling in a class, family relationships) and paves the way for open discussions about the loss of a relative, and Crohn’s disease. The Knife is a main character......more


Quotes

Praise for Code Word Courage:"With background research, including interviews with Navajo code talkers, and a knack for generating a heartwarming, genuine story, Larson seamlessly weaves the lives of the characters into the fabric of the 1944-45 home front setting." -- Booklist"Remarkable, engaging and highly enjoyable historical fiction for young adults as well as all readers." -- Historical Novel Society"A story of loneliness, loss, friendship, and identity." -- School Library Journal"World War II continues to be a topic that fascinates young readers, and Code Word Courage will keep those obsessed with the era reading happily." -- YA Books CentralPraise for Liberty:* "Larson once again creates an engaging story that is rich in historical details. She purposefully captures both the fear and the hope in a world torn by war as well as the simple love of a boy for his dog. Practically perfect." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review"A slice-of-life tale for historical fiction fans and animal lovers alike." -- School Library Journal"Larson brings the historical setting to life with vivid details and draws readers into the story with a heartfelt dog-and-child relationship." -- Horn BookPraise for Dash:Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical FictionA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year* "Emotionally satisfying and thought-provoking." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "[A] trenchant novel." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review"Historical fiction at its best." -- School Library JournalPraise for Duke:* "Exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally authentic." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "[An] incisive tale of loyalty, patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review"A good example of how bravery comes in all shapes, sizes -- and breeds." -- BooklistPraise for Audacity Jones to the Rescue:* "Larson's thriller deftly mixes humor, heart-pounding moments, and a strongly evoked historical setting -- it's truly a story with something for everyone." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review* "The story's themes of trust, friendship, and good manners will resonate with many. Audacity's charm and smarts make this historical adventure a winner." -- Booklist, starred review"Larson infuses her romp with plenty of humor, making Audacity, her cat, and friends into lively, likable characters. With characteristic deftness, she weaves her historical material seamlessly into the story; Audacity is a modern girl... Clever, funny, and sweet in equal measures." -- Kirkus Reviews"Readers will cheer Audacity's ingenuity and bravery as they relish every moment of her adventures. Highly recommended." -- School Library JournalPraise for Audacity Jones Steals the Show:"A suspenseful little mystery with heart." -- Kirkus Reviews"This caper is magical." -- BooklistPraise for Hattie Big Sky:A Newbery Honor Recipient* "[An] engaging historical novel... [Larson] creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters." -- Booklist, starred review* "Larson... create[s] a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered." -- School Library Journal, starred review