Chad Morris and Shelly Brown are the proud parents of five children-four sons and one daughter, Maddie. When Maddie was nine years old, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her positive outlook, imagination, and courage in the face of such a challenge was an inspiration to her friends and family--and provided the basis for this novel. Maddie collected mustaches during her illness and still finds humor in them today.
Chad grew up wanting to become a professional basketball player or a rock star. Neither of those plans quite panned out, so after high school, he left the Rocky Mountains to live in Brazil for a few years. When he returned home, he wrote and performed sketch comedy while going to college. He graduated from Brigham Young University and became a teacher and a writer.
Shelly has always loved children and books so when she started writing, it seemed natural to write books for children. In her spare time, she loves the theater and traveling. She is also one of the worst tap dancers you will ever meet, but she does it anyway. In addition to her five children, she has three chickens and sixty-four Pez dispensers.
Grade 3-5 category--2018 Ohio Buckeye Children's Book Award
winner
"Maddie's offbeat sense of humor is the heart of this story from
spouses Morris and Brown, which was inspired by their own daughter.
Maddie learns to stand up for herself and face her fears head-on in
this moving story of courage and heart. Morris and Brown balance
the gravity of Maddie's illness with her buoyant imagination as she
navigates the reality of the surgery she needs and the politics of
sixth grade."-- "Publishers Weekly"
"Mustaches and the magic of cards unexpectedly come in handy when a
brain tumor challenges a brave 12-year-old girl. Reflects the ups
and downs of a young person braving a terrifying journey. Morris
and Brown capture the interests of middle grade readers from the
get-go with Maddie's high energy, imaginative narration and her
love for sporting fake mustaches. Amid surgeries there are topics
that Maddie ruminates on, such as life, friendship and the
importance of accepting oneself. Very funny yet poignant, an
encouraging read."-- "BookPage"
"When the neurologist says Maddie has a brain tumor and needs
surgery, and that the surgery might change her personality, or even
end her life. Maddie doesn't want anyone to know, but Mom convinces
her to tell. Much to Maddie's surprise, it turns out she has a ton
of supporters, who all start wearing mustaches, too...to help
Maddie bear her long, tough treatment. Based on the authors'
experience, this sweet, hopeful, believable, and unsentimental tale
rings true. Being brave, growing up, true friendship-this has it
all."-- "Booklist"
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