Family is family, no matter what it looks like. Readers will cheer for this pitch-perfect story, just right for fans of such books as The Great Gilly Hopkins and Fish in a Tree .  For as long as Robinson Hart can remember, it’s just been her and Grandpa. He taught her about cars, baseball, and everything else worth knowing. But Grandpa’s memory has been getting bad—so bad that he sometimes can’t even remember Robbie’s name. She’s sure that she’s making things worse by getting in trouble at school, but she can’t resist using her fists when bullies like Alex Carter make fun of her for not having a mom. Now she’s stuck in group guidance—and to make things even worse, Alex Carter is there too. There’s no way Robbie’s going to open up about her life to some therapy group, especially not with Alex in the room. Besides, if she told anyone how forgetful Grandpa’s been getting lately, they’d take her away from him. He’s the only family she has—and it’s up to her to keep them together, no matter what. Praise for Just Like Jackie : "I was truly moved by this refreshing story about a scrappy young heroine and her struggle to protect her family."—Sara Pennypacker, New York Times bestselling author of Pax “ Just Like Jackie is a lovely story of acceptance—about what makes a family and how we make our own families, and about embracing our differences.”—Ann M. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Rain Reign "A fresh coming-of-age novel as feisty, funny, and forthright as its protagonist. Robinson overcomes obstacles with wit, grit, and a growing compassion for others, showing us that families are what we make them and happiness is found in the simple gifts we take for granted. A rich, rewarding read all around."—John David Anderson, author of Ms. Bixby's Last Day “As close to perfect as a book for middle grade children can get!”—Cammie McGovern, author of Just My Luck ? "Stoddard debuts with a quiet but powerful narrative that gently unpacks Alzheimer’s, centers mental health, and moves through the intimate and intense emotional landscape of family—what seems to break one and what can remake it. Validating, heart-rending, and a deft blend of suffering and inspiration."— Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A home-run story that will resonate with all who feel they might not fit into the perfect definition of a family.”— School Library Journal “Debut author Stoddard crafts a winning narrator in Robinson. A beautiful story about the true meaning of family, perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt.”— Booklist Gr 5–8—Eleven-year-old Robbie wishes she could be more like her namesake, the great Robbie Robinson. She wishes she could let things roll off her shoulders, but she has a short fuse which keeps getting her in trouble at school. Alex, a classmate, teases Robbie for not having a mother and she winds up punching him right in the nose. This necessitates her Grandpa coming to school, which is Robbie's worst fear—she knows Grandpa is getting more forgetful with his words and actions, and she is afraid others will figure it out and take her away from the only family she has. Robbie has the weight of the world on her shoulders as she tries to take care of Grandpa without letting others know their secret—he is at his best when fixing cars and tapping the maple trees for syrup, but lately he's even having trouble doing those things. When a class project is assigned to complete a family tree, Robbie worries that it's already too late to tap Grandpa's memories and find out anything about her deceased mom. The school tries different tactics and Robbie is put into group guidance, which helps her realize even those who look like they have perfect lives may also be hiding problems. When Robbie is able to grow emotionally enough to realize family may not just be those you are related to by blood, she finally begins to open up. VERDICT A home-run story that will resonate with all who feel they might not fit into the perfect definition of a family.—Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA “A home-run story that will resonate with all who feel they might not fit into the perfect definition of a family.” - School Library Journal “As close to perfect as a book for middle-grade children can get! Readers will cheer for Robbie as she comes to terms with the family she has and finds the family she needs. It also does a beautiful job of depicting a bullying situation where both victim and bully can come to terms with each other and grow enomously in the process. Just a few of the many reasons I absolutely loved this book.” - Cammie McGovern, author of Just My Luck “ Just Like Jackie is not the story I thought it was going to be, and that’s because it’s a story about scratching the surface (and welcoming what you find below). It’s also a lovely story of acceptance - about what makes a family and how we make our own families, and about embracing our differences.” - Ann M. Martin, New York Times bestselling autho