Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine

“It’s not a perfect summer at the beach, but Winnie’s feelings are perfectly real, and the resolution is satisfying and hopeful.”–School Library Journal

* “Melleby’s latest expertly captures the tumultuousness of tween emotions through its dialogue and third-person narration. While many in Winnie’s generation are so confident in their queerness, the story importantly touches on how it’s not always safe to be out. Multiple queer characters–peers, adults, and elders alike–contribute to an exceptional sense of community that shows the many ways support can manifest…. A powerful, emotional look at queerness, pride, and what it truly means to feel held.”

Praise for Nicole Melleby:

“Moments of madcap humor and familial warmth characterize this emotionally generous summer tale from Melleby, which showcases the author’s command of fully realized characterization and distinct relationship dynamics.” –Publishers Weekly (Sam Makes a Splash)

“It captures that camp feeling of getting away from home, meeting different people, and growing as a person, all over the course of just two weeks. At its heart, an enjoyable summer camp story.” –Kirkus Reviews (Camp QUILTBAG)

* “This emotional read shows the power of friendship and family without omitting the work that goes into loving someone.” –Booklist, starred review (The Science of Being Angry)

* “A raw yet honest portrayal of a young person’s experience with depression, this is a must-read for both middle grade readers and the teachers, counselors, parents, and other adults who interact daily with youth undergoing similar experiences.” –School Library Journal, starred review (How to Become a Planet)

* “This funny, tender, and heart-wrenching story will have readers calling for an encore.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review (In the Role of Brie Hutchens…)

* “Melleby deftly tackles weighty topics–mental illness, child protective services, single parenting, sexuality–while effortlessly weaving in elements of the life and works of Vincent van Gogh, creating a thoughtful, age-appropriate and impressive novel.” –Shelf Awareness, starred review (Hurricane Season)

Nicole Melleby, a New Jersey native, is the author of highly praised middle-grade books, including the Lambda Literary finalist Hurricane Season, ALA Notable book How to Become a Planet, Camp QUILTBAG (co-written with A. J. Sass), and The House on Sunrise Lagoon series. She lives with her wife and their cats, whose need for attention oddly aligns with Nicole’s writing schedule.