Eleven and Holding

Macy Hollinquest is eleven years old, and don’t count on her to change that anytime soon.

Her birthday is just days away, but she has no intention of turning twelve without her dad by her side. He’d promised to be there for her big day, and yet he’s been gone for months—away after his discharge from the army, doing some kind of top secret, "important work."

So Macy’s staying eleven, no matter what—that is, until an unlikely friendship with Ginger, a nice older lady who is searching for her missing dog, changes everything. Ginger’s dog search is the perfect cover for Macy’s attempt to locate her dad. But her hunt puts her on a path to a head-on collision with painful family secrets, where she discovers that knowing can sometimes be a heavy burden. And that change, when finally accepted, comes with an unexpected kind of grace.

Mary Penney’s earnest, heartfelt coming of age story of change, loss, and new beginnings will resonate with young readers on the cusp of new beginnings, and stay in their hearts long after it’s done.

What happens when the search for a missing father uncovers secrets you weren’t ready to face?

• Father-Daughter Relationship: Macy loves her dad more than anything and is willing to do whatever it takes to bring him home for her twelfth birthday—even if it means staying eleven forever.
• A Summer of Secrets: What starts as a hunt for a missing dog in the small town of Constant, Colorado becomes the perfect cover for Macy’s real mission: to find out why her dad is truly gone.
• The Power of Friendship: With her loyal best friend Twee by her side, Macy navigates the confusing world of grown-up problems and learns that you don’t have to face hard truths alone.
• Emotional Middle Grade Story: A touching and honest look at love, loss, and the courage it takes to accept change, perfect for readers who love stories with big hearts.

“A sweet heartbreaker of a book. As important as it is endearing.” - Ali Benjamin, author of The Thing About Jellyfish

“Full of characters who start out stoic and scrappy but who slowly reveal themselves—to one another and to us—in the most honest and riveting and heartachey ways.” - Liz Garton Scanlon, Caldecott Honor Winner for All the World

“Macy’s candid narrative voice and expressive observations... bring humor and pathos to Penney’s tender, emotionally satisfying story.” - Publishers Weekly

“An emotional coming-of-age tale that will resonate with readers who appreciate contemporary, realistic, character-driven novels.” - School Library Journal

“Driven by attractive, colorful characters, this tale is immersive and engaging... Lively, funny, tender without being syrupy, and full of life.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Penney’s novel brings to light some of the issues families of military personnel face... Readers will enjoy Macy’s independent, adventurous spirit in this story about growing up, friendship, and forgiveness.” - Horn Book Magazine