Just Ask Elsie
$29.09
- Hardcover
272 pages
- Release Date
29 September 2026
Summary
Elsie Parker is having a totally normal fifth-grade year. Fractions and conjunctions—check. Stressing about middle school—check. Body-positive puberty class at church that also covers feelings and identities—check.
Okay, maybe that last one isn’t so normal. It’s a little weird (and awkward) to spend her Sundays talking periods, B.O., and pimples. But Elsie’s also learning a lot more than she’s heard in her public-school health class—like the difference between sex and gender, and what…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781250410986 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1250410983 |
| Author: | Ari Koontz |
| Publisher: | Feiwel and Friends |
| Imprint: | Feiwel and Friends |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 272 |
| Release Date: | 29 September 2026 |
| Weight: | 454g |
| Dimensions: | 208mm x 135mm |
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What They're Saying
Critics Review
“A fresh take on activism, fifth grade style, that helps round out the genre.” –Kirkus
“In their debut novel, Koontz creates a believable character on the cusp of middle school. Elsie is brave but uncertain, grounded yet prone to anxious overthinking. A much-needed addition to the slim collection of middle-grade books about puberty.” –Booklist
“With humor, -kindness, and a clear message about -helping -others, this book handles puberty and identity with care… A -thoughtful, inclusive debut novel that will speak to many upper elementary readers.” –School Library Journal
“A fresh, fierce, and funny puberty story about making your voice heard!” –Ali Terese, National Book Award-longlisted author of Free Period
“In this empowering, hilarious, heart-filled story, Ari Koontz expertly weaves a world where any kid can make positive change in their community.” –Rebecca Bendheim, author of When You’re Brave Enough
“A warm, rousing story filled with laugh-out-loud moments, terrific queer family dynamics, and tons of heart.” –Kathryn Ormsbee, author of Candidly Cline
About The Author
Ari Koontz
Ari Koontz is a queer nonbinary writer and educator with an MFA in creative writing from Northern Michigan University. They are dedicated to telling full-hearted stories of bravery and whimsy in every possible genre, centering the beautiful complexities of queer identity and community, and supporting their local public library. A born-and-raised Midwestern UU, Ari lives close to where the water meets the woods and loves to take long walks when they should be writing. Just Ask Elsie is their debut novel.
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