I can't say I loved this book as much as Huntoon's debut, but I still really enjoyed it. In the first few chapters, I worried the tone would feel a little too juvenile for the age of the character, but I soon fell into the book and felt that the tone and narrative voice was a great portrayal of eighth grade. I really appreciated Linus' arc of learning to stand up for himself, as well as Etta's development. I really liked their friendship here, it was so sweet and overall, just a really nice light-hearted middle-grade read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends, and Caroline Huntoon for the opportunity to read Linus and Etta Could Use a Win in exchange for an honest review.

After absolutely adoring Huntoon's debut middle grade LGBTQ novel, Skating on Mars, I knew that this novel would be just as fun, inclusive, and loveable.

New School, New Friends
Linus moves, meaning he gets to have a fresh start for his eighth grade year. Nobody at Doolittle Middle School knows he is trans, and he is happy to be seen just as who he is: a boy. Etta shows Linus to his first class, and while goth-style and seemingly anti-social, she seems interested in the new kid. A fast friendship ensues.

Reasons for Revenge
Etta's former best friend, Marigold, also seems to be interested in being Linus' friend. When Marigold claims she is applying for the same high school school Etta wants to go to, a school with limited spots, Etta realizes she needs to do more extra-curricular activities. Marigold offers a bet: get Linus voted into student council. This is a perfect way for Etta to get something great for her high school application, as Linus' campaign manager, also while getting revenge on her former best friend.

Friendship Matters
As Etta helps Linus with reasons to run for student council, they become fast friends. He even shares that he is trans, but he struggles with his grandmother misgendering him and his parents not standing up for him either. Etta provides support in that he has the strength to stand up for himself, to think of the qualities that make him great for Doolittle MS student council, even president! Linus must find courage, but so must Etta, for her bet may just lose her a new  best friend.

Final Thoughts
I absolutely adore this novel. It shows an inside look of some of the familial struggles someone who is transgender may face. It also demonstrates the courage it takes to tell someone about themself as well as being comfortable enough to share with everyone, and how frightening that might be. I also appreciate Linus' crush on Marigold and his exploration of those feelings.

The cover art is a perfectly adorable depiction of the two perspective characters, and I just love the artwork. The characters are dynamic and relatable, especially for middle school readers who may see themselves in similar situations and experiences. This novel is a well-written, thoroughly enjoyable exploration of the eighth grade trans experience, as well as a testament to the power of friendship.

h, my heart! I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. It made me laugh out loud, it made me cry, and Linus and Etta hold a special place in my favorite fiction. This book tackles realistic challenges pre-teens and teens face, like social pressure, academic pressure, coming out, and people who tolerate your identity but don't meet it enthusiastically. I recommend this book to both kids and adults alike if you want to ~feel things~.

In the book Linus and Etta Could Use a Win both main characters are dreading the first day of 8th grade. Linus not only because he just moved, but also because he is worried that his recent-ish trans status is going to get out and be an issue. Etta is dreading it because she was ghosted by her best friend over the summer and was now starting school alone. When a rash bet with her ex-best friend involves getting Linus elected for Student Council brings them closer, Etta starts to find that she may have found her new best friend and Linus may be discovering his voice both at school and at home.

This was a cute story. I liked both Etta and Linus as characters. They were fun and had a good push-and-pull dynamic that showed how to truly be a friend. Their relationship, honestly, was just amazing. This is a nice quick read if someone wants a feel-good story.

Overall, I struggled with a few points in this story. First, Linus and Etta seemed to exist in a bubble. Other than mean-girl Marigold, there were no real interactions with other students. For as unsure and awkward as Linus originally felt on the first day to running for student council president of a small school a week later seemed like a bit of a stretch. I also was unsure of the interactions with Linus and his family. For parents that have been supportive for a year they seemed a bit... hesitant... to be supportive of him in regards to grandma. I just didn't feel the realism in this story.

Amidst the rise of middle grade novels with LGBTQ+ characters and themes, Linus and Etta Could Use a Win by Caroline Huntoon serves as an outstanding contribution to the table – a narrative that demonstrates the treasure of friendship and self-worth.

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I didn’t come out to myself as trans until 2020, the summer when I turned 30. I really couldn’t look up to a fellow or public transmasc/trans man figure through those years of groping for myself in the darkness because of the lack of representation back then. Less than a handful of books about trans kids and teens lined the shelves of the public libraries I visited, particularly during a time when I struggled with understanding my body. I wouldn’t see the various books about and by LGBTQ+ authors gracing an entire section at the Barnes & Noble in my area until three years after coming out. Sometime after that, I noticed – with excitement – middle grade titles with Queer characters and themes.

Before, the only other middle grade books with a trans character that I’d read or heard of were Melissa by Alex Gino and Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky, as well as a few YA books including Luna by Julie Anne Peters. Indie books by Queer authors kept me alive at a time when the few big-name publishers wouldn’t express interest in Queer children and teen narratives, let alone intersectional narratives that tackle the joys and challenges of being Queer.

Like other Queer people in my generation, I was cynical about the possibility of explicit Queer characters and relationships in children’s media – and by explicit, I mean more than just a line and or just showing up in one scene – until She-Ra proved me wrong. And then I found webcomics and graphic novels aimed at young audiences that include Queer characters and themes. Oh, and there’s even a children’s picture book titled Sam is my Sister (by Ashley Rhodes-Courter; illustrated by MacKenzie Haley) about a boy and his trans sister.

Along with other current/recent LGBTQ+ middle grade releases like Dear Mothman by Robin Gow, Emma and the Love Spell by Meredith Ireland, and The Curse of Eelgrass Bog by Mary Averling, Linus and Etta Could Use a Win by Caroline Huntoon (they/them) deserves a win for its heartwarming narrative.

Linus wants to start fresh. After coming out as trans last year, he’d rather not attract attention at his new school. Etta, however, isn’t as lucky. She stands out with her green-dyed hair but would rather keep to herself. After all, she is a misanthrope. When her ex-best friend Marigold bets her to get Linus to run for student body president, Etta starts to enjoy being Linus’s friend. Linus, however, doesn’t know the real reason for Etta’s friendship and encouragement… yet.

First off, the author does a phenomenal job of balancing between telling a story about being trans and telling a story about being yourself – a person with interests, relationships, and hopes. Caroline Huntoon proves that you can have both as a compelling narrative.

Linus deals with menstruation, his grandmother misgendering him, and worrying about how people would react when coming out to them. But the story also focuses on Linus’ friendship with Etta and his coming out of his shell. Huntoon has effortlessly written a well-developed trans character that a young trans person would find comfort and belonging with.

The novel alternates between Linus and Etta’s points of view, giving the reader an intimate glimpse into these two characters’ internal conflict. Linus and Etta make mistakes, hurt each other, and grow together. Their budding friendship is as endearing as it is challenging. This one is a sweet but effective story for its target audience.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Caroline Huntoon, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Linus is the new boy at school and wants to stay quiet. He came out as trans last year and is at a new school. He plans to just blend in.
Etta is different at school and is okay with that! She is dealing with a difficult friendship breakup and is okay to burn more bridges at school.
Linus is soon pushed into the spotlight he does not want when Etta's ex-friend challenges her to get Linus elected student body president. The problem? Linus doesn't know Etta's true intentions. Will that impact them having a true friendship?

A great middle grade read and finding where you belong in the world!

My 7th grade kid said to me the other day, "why aren't there any books about non-popular but normal kids with a small but fun friend group who just hang out together? I would read that."

And it made me think, kids don't always need to have an epic fantasy adventure, or a tragic tearjerker, or a sob worthy family drama. Sometimes they just want a book with some regular kids with regular friend drama and some awkward teenage interactions.

This is what I think makes this book so special.

At the heart, it's about friendship. Being the new kid at school. Trying to fit in. Trying to make friends. Linus is trans, and the acceptance of his grandmother is important to him. But since he's new at school, his new friend Etta just accepts him for who he is.

I appreciated the alternating POV chapters between Linus and Etta, and enjoyed seeing their friendship blossom, and experience highs as well as lows.

Recommended for ages 9+.

One sentence summary: Linus and Etta form an unlikely friendship during the start of their eighth grade year.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this MG book. It felt like a teen romcom but in the platonic sense. There even a grand gesture or two of friendship! I felt like the characters were relatable to a 13 year olds experiences. I loved Etta’s obsession with horror movies and Linus’s nerdy T-shirts.

On a slightly deeper level I really loved that Linus was already out as trans prior to the start of this book and while there was some focus on that amongst his family, there was just lots of every day preteen/teenage stuff happening from crushes to navigating school to friendship drama. I am always in for trans joy and acceptance especially in MG stories!

Overall I would recommend this one to fans of MG and anyone looking to add more queer reads to their MG collection or tween/teen libraries. Not a new favorite, but a nice enjoyable read.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is fun middle grade contemporary. Linus has recently come out as trans prior to moving, and I appreciate how the story delves into the issues he dealt with due to the scrutiny he received, and how he views the move as a chance to start fresh. Etta is equally charming, in her own prickly way, and I loved how these two got on together. It’s very low-stakes, with some friendship drama, but I liked that it was ultimately rather sweet, as well as being affirming for trans kids.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

I know this is a Middle Grade novel and it's really not for me as a grown adult but I LOVED IT. LINUS AND ETTA WERE INCREDIBLE. Etta is honestly how I felt (but didn't look because I went to Catholic school) when I was her age and Linus was so incredibly funny in this story. The banter these two had together was unmatched. They were really great friends together and I was glad when they were able to makeup.

The family aspect of the novel was great too. I enjoyed watching Linus learn to stick up for himself and his pronouns with his grandma. I also enjoyed how open and caring his parents were ( even though they didn't stick up for him like they should have on multiple occasions with his grandma). It gave the story a lot of depth and feeling.

Unfortunately I never really liked Marigold as a character. Inherently, I don't think she's a bad person but because of that first conversation with Etta I disliked her instantly. She said some very mean things to Etta and I don't think they were warranted in the end. That's middle school for you though really so I guess it's pretty accurate. Regardless, I felt no real sympathy or camaraderie for her throughout the novel

Because this is an ARC some of the plot points felt a bit rushed but I'm sure that's more ironed out in the full draft. Regardless this was still a really fun and enjoyable read about Trans pride and friendship!!!

Linus is new to the school. Etta wants to prove to her ex-best friend that she's worthy to apply for a fancy high school. After making a bet with said ex-BFF that she can get elected to student council, Etta becomes Linus's campaign manager.

I think this is everything a middle grade contemporary story should be. It was short and the plot moved quickly. It had real middle grade emotions and thoughts. It showed characters who were outside of the norm in some way. Not super memorable for me but it might be for specific kids.

Linus, the new kid at school, prefers blending into the background after navigating the spotlight of coming out as trans at his old school. Meanwhile, Etta proudly stands out with her vibrant green hair, embracing her uniqueness amidst a friendship fallout. When Etta gets challenged to get Linus elected student body president by one of her classmates, Linus finds himself thrust into the spotlight once again. What begins as a bet transforms into a genuine friendship between Linus and Etta, but secrets threaten to unravel their bond. Can their friendship survive the truth behind their connection?

After devouring Huntoon’s debut Skating on Mars and falling in love with their writing, I was so antsy to get my hands on their second book and surprise, surprise, I loved it just as much! This book felt like a cool mix of The Election meets She’s All That but queerer and definitely more appropriate for a younger audience.

Etta is a menace, but in the best way possible. After a hurtful breakup with her best friend, she’s become a bit of a loner and while she’s fine with that and unapologetic about how she now acts, you can tell from the beginning that her heart isn’t in it when she takes up the dare to get Linus elected. I loved how quickly Etta realised just how much of a friend and ally she has in Linus and that you don’t have to know someone forever to be on the same wavelength. It’s heartwarming how they both came to be so supportive of each other and even when they messed things up—as is the way of life, especially in middle school, they eventually found their way back to each other. Similarly, this book also talked about old friendships and what it means to lose this part of your identity and connection you’ve had with someone who seemed to always be on your side—especially when that came down to peer pressure and wanting to be cool. When really, the cool thing is to spend your time with the people you actually love.

Linus, too, stood out as a fully fleshed-out, relatable cinnamon roll. The struggles he is facing not just with being in the spotlight once again, if somewhat more favourably than the last time, not to mention the tensions with his grandmother felt so relatable. I can’t imagine being that young and having to deal with all the questions that come at school with transitioning and then going to a new school only to be the main point of attraction once again. More so, though, I can imagine and relate to Linus and his fear of being misgendered by his grandmother and my heart hurt for him every time he had to listen and wait for his parents to correct her when it happened. If you don’t speak up about wrongdoings when they happen, you become complicit to them and especially to Linus, this feels like he has no one who is on his side anymore. Actions matter and Huntoon showcases here just how important it is to listen to your kid’s needs. There’s a lot to say about parenting, of course, but I adored how brave Linus was in standing up for himself and openly communicating that this fraught situation is hurting him and that he needs more support from his parents. There’s also a lot of growth in this novel, not just on the side of Linus’s family but of course also with our main characters. It’s tough being unique when you’re so young but then again, that’s exactly what you’re supposed to be: you. This novel celebrates that and shows that adversity may always exist but that as long as you have a supportive network of friends and family, you can tackle anything.

Huntoon’s sophomore novel Linus and Etta Could Use a Win charms its readers with queer joy, a high-stakes dare, an unlikely alliance and the transformative power of friendship. Perfect for fans of Jude Saves the World and the classic movie Election with Reese Witherspoon.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Available 7 May 2024

I just wanted to express my gratitude to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing, and Caroline Huntoon for providing me with an eARC of Linus and Etta Could Use a Win for review.

This book is tailor-made for middle-grade readers and offers such a powerful exploration of the beauty of friendship. We follow Linus, a transgender boy, and Etta, a cisgender girl, as they navigate the ups and downs of growing up amidst personal struggles, heartache, and the first day of 8th grade!

Huntoon's writing is absolutely perfect for middle-grade audiences, striking a delicate balance between emotional depth and accessible storytelling. The characters are so relatable and well-developed, each grappling with their own fears and insecurities in a way that young readers will find both compelling and authentic.

One thing I want to mention is that there is some transphobia depicted throughout the book. However, I believe that it is handled in a way that is appropriate for middle-grade readers. I totally understand that it might be frustrating for some readers, so I just wanted to give you a heads-up.

Overall, this heartfelt novel is such a beautiful read and is sure to resonate with middle-grade readers. It's full of relatable characters, engaging storytelling, and an uplifting message that will stick with you long after you turn the final page. I can't wait for you to read it!

This is such an adorable story about a trans boy moving to a new school and the outcast girl he befriends.

Linus and his family moved to Ohio to be closer to his grandmother, who seems to struggle with misgendering Linus. Etta gets a dare from her ex best friend to make Linus run for student council.

I love the friendship between Etta and Linus, and how Linus realizes his voice in and out of school. It was a fun, lighthearted read that treated a couple of serious topics with grace and determination.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review!

4 out of 5 stars

Rep: Trans main character, non-binary secondary character, side character with two dads

Content warnings: Misgendering, microaggressions, menstruation, past friendship breakup

This is such a cute book! Linus is adorable and Etta is such a genuinely cool person. She comes across as realistic but not annoying, which I assume is a difficult line for writers to walk. I enjoyed watching Linus learn to stick up for himself -- I was horrific at that when I was his age too (and well into adulthood). While I didn't care for his little romance with Marigold, it's always nice when authors write about crushes in true-to-life ways, awkward blushing and all.

The part about Linus listening to see if his parents would correct his grandma's misgendering is *incredibly* relatable. He describes it as feeling like they're "guilty by association" and that's exactly how I feel in my own life too. It made me so happy to see them grow, though. There are some really great adults in this book. I love Etta's mom and, despite his faults, Linus's dad. I love how much grace they're willing to give their kids and how they don't seem patronizing.

All in all a very sweet book, and I'm dying for more trans middle grade stories like this one!

**HUGE thank you to Macmillan Publishers for granting me an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!**

This was a solid middlegrade contemporary, but it didn't stand out to me, and I don't think it will really stay with me. I liked both main characters, but I felt like I got to know Linus a lot better throughout the book, and he just felt more fleshed out. I gave Skating on Mars 3 stars too, so maybe Caroline Huntoon's books aren't entirely for me, which is absolutely fine since I'm not the target audience. I would absolutely recommend this to kids who want to read about trans main characters!

This was a good book! I really enjoyed getting to see how Linus and Etta became friends and how their friendship grew and fluctuated as they learn more about who they are. I enjoyed reading this book a lot!

4.5 stars

Linus is the new kid at school and trying to fly under the radar. After recently coming out as trans at his previous school and dealing with all of the attention that came with it, he’s looking forward to being an anonymous teenager. Etta has always been the odd one out at school, and she’s fine with being a loner ever since breaking up with her best friend. At least, that’s what she keeps telling herself.

After an encounter with Etta’s ex-best friend Marigold, Linus is now a part of a (unknown) bet to get elected as student body president. But as Etta spends more time with Linus, she realizes she genuinely likes him as a friend. And she’s afraid that friendship will disappear when she tells him the truth.

Thanks to Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Linus and Etta Could Use a Win by Caroline Huntoon! It’s my year of focusing on reading more middle grade, and this one sounded absolutely adorable. I am happy to say that the story and the writing definitely didn’t disappoint.

I believe this is Huntoon’s second book, and I think I’m definitely going to have to go back and read their first one! The writing style of this hits the tone of a middle grade book right on, and all of the emotions and interactions absolutely felt so genuine. I can see middle grade readers of all kinds relating to both Linus and Etta.

Middle school feels like such a tumultuous time for friendships, and that’s captured in this book as well. There’s that feeling of loneliness that feels unique to middle school in the fact that you don’t know where you fit in. It’s a time of so many changes, and adding extra changes on top of that? It just compounds the loneliness.

If you love middle grade books, especially queer middle grade books, definitely check this one out when it comes out this May!

I love Linus and Etta so much! This book is full of heart, and the characters are awesome. In a way, it reminded me of the characters from Mean Girls in that Etta used to be friends with the popular girl, turned goth, befriended the new kid, who simultaneously befriends the popular girl. In a nutshell. The efforts Linus makes to find acceptance among his family are fortunately not as much of a battle with his friends. However, he soon learns that his friends may have ulterior motives for asking him to run in the election. Linus has to determine what is right for himself, how to stand up to peers, and how to find his place.

This book is an amazing way to teach tolerance, work through problems in communication, and celebrate the power of friendship. These characters were awesome and I look forward to reading more books from Mx. Huntoon!

I truly loved Linus and Etta Could Use a Win. Fast-paced, quirky, and unique, I will hands-down be rereading and recommending this book widely. Linus, Etta, and even Marigold could all easily have fallen into stereotypical, tropey characters, but instead they all quite literally shine; I particularly love Linus, whose relationships and struggles gave the story such dimensionality. The tension within his family over his grandmother rang so true, and the development of that plotline was one of my favorite parts of this book! I couldn’t stop reading this book, and I certainly didn’t want to—when it ended, I truly wished there were another hundred pages to go. I highly recommend Linus and Etta Could Use a Win, particularly to readers who love queer middle grade books, friendship stories, and incredibly relatable characters.