Hazel’s Theory of Evolution

Winner of the Lambda Literary Award!

The Thing About Jellyfish meets Raymie Nightingale in this tender middle grade novel from Lisa Jenn Bigelow, acclaimed author of Drum Roll, Please.

Hazel knows a lot about the world. That’s because when she’s not hanging with her best friend, taking care of her dog, or helping care for the goats on her family's farm, she loves reading through dusty encyclopedias.

But even Hazel doesn’t have answers for the questions awaiting her as she enters eighth grade. What if no one at her new school gets her, and she doesn't make any friends? What’s going to happen to one of her moms, who’s pregnant again after having two miscarriages? Why does everything have to change when life was already perfectly fine?

As Hazel struggles to cope, she’ll come to realize that sometimes you have to look within yourself—instead of the pages of a book—to find the answer to life’s most important questions.

This Lambda Literary Award-winning novel is a thoughtful and honest look at the things we can’t learn from books.

• A Heartfelt Coming of Age Story: Hazel has always found comfort in facts, but eighth grade brings questions about friendship, family, and change that no encyclopedia can answer.
• A Loving LGBTQ Family: As one of her moms prepares for a new baby after heartbreaking losses, Hazel has to navigate her own complex feelings of hope and fear.
• Making New Friends: Feeling lost without her best friend, Hazel meets Carina and Yosh, two kids who show her that friendship can be found in the most unexpected places.
• Navigating Grief and Loss: This gentle and honest story tackles big emotions with sensitivity, perfect for readers who love character-driven novels about finding your place in the world.

Praise for Drum Roll, Please: “Bigelow artfully captures the complexity of middle-school relationships and, with a gentle hand, delivers a mighty message to turn up the volume on your inner drumbeat.” - Ami Polonsky, author of Gracefully Grayson and Threads

“Both fun and substantial, readable and empowering, this novel is a master class in balancing real issues with a light-hearted tone. Bigelow’s compassionate take on the classic middle school topics of family, friendship, and first romance hits all the right notes. Highly recommended.” - School Library Journal (starred review)

“In a story about growing pains, turning points, and self-discovery, Bigelow shows an equally clear understanding of the dynamics of young adolescent emotions. Bigelow has a graceful and genuine touch as her protagonist processes new experiences and navigates changes in friendships and family.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Warm and memorable.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Bigelow celebrates intersectional diversity with her cast of well-drawn characters. Through a relatable first-person narrative, she also addresses universal conflicts adolescents face while paying tribute to their individuality.” - Publishers Weekly

“This vivid first-person narrative revolves around the well-drawn main character. Bigelow portrays many characters with empathy and skill. A heartfelt novel of family, friends, and change.” - ALA Booklist (starred review)

"Readers will find [Hazel's] sensitive, reflective nature heartening." - School Library Journal