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1st Rule of The Secret Winners Club: Do whatever it takes.
Thirteen-year-old Sunny Whitlock has alopecia; an autoimmune condition that's made her lose her hair -- and she's desperate to be seen as more than just the bald kid. But how? By setting an epic goal: win her school's junkbot club competition. And if she's #1, then other kids will have to see beyond her disease... and she'll finally fit in.
Sunny's immune-deficient best friends are also tired of looking different and achieving second place in their school competitions. With a bold plan, Sunny bands with them to create The Secret Winners Club, a club devised to win -- at any cost -- and push them outside their comfort zones.
They promise to trust no one else. It's all classified! And in total secrecy they aim to help one another become #1 before this middle school year is over. But as they start to succeed, they quickly discover that crossing the line and hurting others can make them even more visible and even more an outsider.
PRAISE FOR THE SECRET WINNERS CLUB:
"The characters in The Secret Winner's Club jump off the page. You root for this group of friends as they try to figure out what it means to go after their dreams, to seek help from others, and if winning at any cost is really winning at all. Filled with wisdom and heart, it perfectly fills that gap between middle grade and young adult and will inspire readers to pursue their own goals" -- Wendy Mass, New York Times bestselling author of 30+ books for young people
"I can't imagine any young person who "looks different" or wonders about those who do, not relating to this honest, carefully crafted story. It is a fine weaving of heartache, grit, humor, and the ethics of what it means to get even. The Secret Winners Club amplifies the voices of kids who struggle to be seen beyond their medical conditions with those who judge by appearance alone. It is an important reminder to young and old to look beyond the surface, to the truth of a person's heart and abilities." -- Joan Bauer, New York Times Best-selling author and winner of the Newbery Honor Medal and LA Times Book Prize
"The Secret Winners Club is a moving and insightful middle-grade novel that explores identity, perseverance, and the actual cost of success. Donna Galanti writes with both sensitivity and authenticity. Her characters are complex, likable, and genuine, making them highly relatable to the readers. The story flows with energy and emotion, blending humor, tension, and heartfelt moments in perfect rhythm. The rising stakes remind readers that the most significant victories often come from within, and staying true to oneself is the most meaningful win. An inspiring and heartfelt story about courage, friendship, and the power of self-acceptance. The reader will remember this emotionally rich and deeply compassionate novel long after they finish reading it." -- Suzie Housley, Midwest Book Review
"This is a heart-warming and page-turning read for anyone who has ever felt different. A gift for the misfits and adventurers in our soul. I wish I'd had this book as a kid." -- Sarah Allen, author of Breathing Underwater
"A heartwarming must-read about friendship, second chances, and overcoming adversity." -- Jaime Berry, author of Heart Finds
"Middle schoolers of all types, whether athlete, STEM, or theater kid, those with autoimmune disorders or not, will see themselves reflected in this heartfelt tale of teamwork and the cost of striving to be the best. As a competitive swimmer with asthma and a junior high nemesis, I would have gobbled up The Secret Winners Club." -- Shannon Doleski, author of Gabe in the After
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