But it turns out Dee isn’t the only one hiding from something. There are kids all over the school worrying in secret and needing someone to talk to. After Dee helps a second grader with spelling advice, more students begin coming to Dee with their problems. It turns out she’s a good listener, and she likes helping people. And when she starts receiving mysterious notes, it seems someone out there wants to be her friend—if only they would reveal themselves.
- Books
- Middle Grade Fiction & Indies
- Middle Grade Fiction
- Happy & Sad & Everything True
Happy & Sad & Everything True
Author(s)
Age Range
10+
Release Date
November 12, 2024
ISBN
978-1665955249
Back when Dee and Juniper were still friends, Dee never hid in the bathroom. Now, at the beginning of sixth grade, Dee finds herself there often. The dripping faucet is annoying, and there are other places she’d rather be—like at home and in her room with her cat, Norman. But at least Dee is safe from overenthusiastic teachers and having to see Juniper walking through the halls with her new friends. Dee would rather be alone than witness that.
Editor review
1 review
Authentic and Heart Felt
(Updated: July 05, 2026)
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Happy & Sad & Everything True is a middle-grade novel that captures the struggles of growing up and fitting in at school. The story focuses on Dee, a sixth-grader who spends more and more time hiding out in the bathroom to avoid uncomfortable situations, like teachers' questions or seeing her former best friend, Juniper, with her new friend group. While in the bathroom, Dee realizes she's not the only one struggling and starts giving out anonymous advice.
What I Liked: Alex Thayer nailed the many emotions that come with being a tween/teen and navigating middle school. This book shows how hard it is to grow apart from a friend. I appreciated that Thayer did not have Dee and Juniper make up in the end and become besties. It was such an honest and realistic portrayal of how it feels when a friend moves on. Adding to these challenges, Dee also has to deal with her embarrassing mother, which adds some cringy but funny moments. Though Dee experiences sadness in losing her best friend, there's also a hopeful tone throughout the book as she connects with the kids she advises and becomes friends with Harry.
Happy & Sad & Everything True is a wonderfully written middle-grade novel that will resonate with readers thanks to its authentic portrayal of middle school.
What I Liked: Alex Thayer nailed the many emotions that come with being a tween/teen and navigating middle school. This book shows how hard it is to grow apart from a friend. I appreciated that Thayer did not have Dee and Juniper make up in the end and become besties. It was such an honest and realistic portrayal of how it feels when a friend moves on. Adding to these challenges, Dee also has to deal with her embarrassing mother, which adds some cringy but funny moments. Though Dee experiences sadness in losing her best friend, there's also a hopeful tone throughout the book as she connects with the kids she advises and becomes friends with Harry.
Happy & Sad & Everything True is a wonderfully written middle-grade novel that will resonate with readers thanks to its authentic portrayal of middle school.
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