Another D for DeeDee

From the author of the highly praised Canned and Crushed comes a new story about friendship, the consequences of bad decisions, and embracing what makes you different!
DeeDee’s life is full of D’s. Missing her dad, who’s disappeared. Distracted by her sister’s quinceañera and her brother dropping out of high school. Disappointing her family by struggling in her new school. Being diagnosed with diabetes. So many D’s she worries she’ll never fit in, and worse, never find the best friend she’s always wanted.
Then she meets River, her new neighbor with cochlear implants and finds they have the same interests. Art. Dance. Skateboarding. And they both miss their dads. But while DeeDee struggles to adjust to her new circumstances and life with diabetes, River embraces life, even his differences. River offers to help search for DeeDee’s dad and coach her in skateboarding and the two become friends. River even encourages her to participate in her school’s Spring Fling talent show.
Then River transfers to DeeDee’s new school. Instead of sticking up for him and risking being made fun of, DeeDee makes mistake after mistake until she’s forced to decide: keep the best friend she’s always wanted by standing up to her classmates, or stay silent and lose River forever? Before DeeDee can be a good friend she must learn to love differences—not just River’s but also her own.

Bibi Belford is the author of Canned and Crushed, the award-winning book Crossing the Line, and the digital short story “The Gift,” all from Sky Pony Press. Bibi currently works part time as a literacy consultant and volunteers as a reading teacher in a third-grade classroom near her Chicago neighborhood. She’s mom to four grown kids and Grandma Bibi to three of the cutest grandkids in the world.

(*) "A busy novel about the importance of compassion and learning to be true to one’s heart, with an endearing protagonist at its core."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Bibi Belford hits another one out of the ball park! Another D For DeeDee is an absolute treasure for readers of all ages. Told in fourth-grader DeeDee’s honest, charming, and humorous voice, this story of dealing with differences, finding true friendship, and standing up for oneself will stay with readers for a long time. Parents, teachers, and kids will have a great time Discovering DeeDee's ‘D’ words and Discussing them in this Dee-lightful story."
—Randall Platt, author of the award-winning The Girl Who Wouldn't Die

"Another D for DeeDee is an engaging, heartfelt story about resilience and redemption. Lovable and impulsive DeeDee makes mistakes and, Land O Lakes, does she get herself into trouble! But Belford gives her what so many middle grade readers need to see—accountability and forgiveness."
—Beth Vrabel, author of The Reckless Club

Praise for Canned and Crushed:

"[A] never-a-dull-moment debut....fitted with an admirable, funny protagonist."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Belford compassionately reveals that there’s far more to Sandro than just his misbehavior; his family’s poverty and immigration worries lead Sandro to take on far more than an 11-year-old should. Sandro’s breezy, conversational narrative, often directed at the reader, offsets the weight of his troubles in this eye-opening story that will likely resonate with a wide audience."
—Booklist

"Belford’s debut contains complex characterization: Sandro is affable and witty, yet his quick temper and poor decision-making will ring true to young readers....readers are likely to stick with Sandro till the sweet, wobbly end."
—School Library Journal

"Holy guacamole! You’ve got to meet soccer star Sandro, whose brain is as quick as his feet—which is good because between chasing a turtle who’s an escape artist, helping his dad collect roadkill, and conquering fourth grade, he’s got to move fast. Luckily, Sandro’s the kind of kid who puts the can in can-do and the fun in funny. You’ll laugh out loud at Sandro’s adventures, sympathize with his foul-ups, and cheer for his wins. Also, watch out: you’ll never look at duct tape or fourth grade the same way again!"
—Valerie Tripp, best-selling author of the American Girl series books

"Sandro is the type of kid you rush to sit by in the cafeteria just so you can hear what he says or see what he does next. Canned and Crushed will charm you, as Sandro is a sweet-hearted, accident-prone mischief-maker you won’t forget. The only thing bigger than the messes he finds himself in is his heart."
—Beth Vrabel, author of Pack of Dorks and Blind Guide to Stinkville