Glory Be

“[A] love letter to New Orleans, with the narrative marinating in its setting and the city’s unique attributes often serving as metaphors for the challenges Glory faces. A vibrant cast of supporting characters adds complexity, particularly Seven and his compatriots, who are developed with dimension to bring depth to the found family on which Glory can rely.” – Horn Book
“This verse novel, rife with New Orleans vernacular and sensory descriptions of Glory’s somewhat rough neighborhood, focuses on a little kid dealing with big stuff… . With an ending that’s just the right amount of bittersweet, containing both hope and ambiguity, Glory shows readers that even in tough situations, ‘NOLA’s got all kind of magic if you keep your head up.’” – The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Sumner’s rhythmic verse suits Glory’s feisty voice and outsize personality… . Sumner sensitively considers the harsh realities of loving someone who can turn violent, but tender bonds of friendship and gentle humor alleviate the darkness as Glory comes to accept some difficult truths … Seeded with love and hope, a tale that nevertheless addresses turmoil and pain.” – Kirkus Reviews
“[T]he story offers a realistic portrait of life for a kid who has a mostly absent father and a mother burning a near-wickless candle… Sumner folds brightness into the plot through the joy pets can bring as well as in the new friends Glory makes during her search for Roux. Try this with realistic fiction readers or fans of stories that center animals, such as Robin Gow’s Gooseberry (2024).” – Booklist
”[A] contemplative verse novel by Sumner… . Hard-hitting lines viscerally convey the pain Glory carries, stemming from her tumultuous homelife. Realistic grayscale images by Monnin depict the youth’s grim determination and her pup’s buoyant spirit.” – Publishers Weekly
“Glory is a … determined and courageous individual who does whatever she can to get her dog back … A novel in verse that explores heavy topics, with heart, this is recommended for upper elementary readers.” – School Library Journal

Jamie Sumner is the author of the Roll with It trilogy, Tune It Out, One Kid’s Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, Schooled, Glory Be, and Wish You Well. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee.

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