A hot-headed cynic befriends the new kid—a shy trans boy—when she takes on a bet to get him elected student body president.
Cover design by L. Whitt | Cover Illustration by Abigail L. Dela Cruz
Out now from Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan
Linus is the new boy at school, and he’s trying to keep it quiet. After coming out as trans last year and managing the attention that came with it, he’s more than happy to fade into the background of his new middle school.
Etta isn’t like other kids at school, and she’s proud of it. The class misanthrope and the owner of the greenest hair at Doolittle Middle School, she’s still reeling from a painful friendship breakup, making her more than happy to burn middle-school bridges before she heads off to the local alternative high school next year.
When Etta’s over-it-all attitude sparks a challenge from her ex-best friend, Marigold, to get Linus elected student body president, Linus is thrust back into the spotlight. But what started out as a bet quickly turns into a true friendship between Linus and Etta, one that could be in jeopardy if Linus finds out the real origins of his and Etta’s connection. Can Linus and Etta’s friendship withstand the betrayal of the bet?
Content Warnings: misgendering, transphobia, microaggressions, menstruation, past friendship breakup
Praise for Linus and Etta Could Use a Win
★ A School Library Journal Best Middle Grade Book of 2024★
★A 2025 Rainbow Book List Top 10 Book for Young Readers★
★ A JLG Gold Standard Selection ★
“This book felt like a cool mix of Election meets She’s All That but queerer and definitely more appropriate for a younger audience.” ―The Nerd Daily
“This bright and energetic read should prove attractive to reluctant readers. Though parts of this plot may feel familiar, Linus and Etta’s relationship is accompanied by plenty of drama from Marigold and thoughtful examinations of what friendship truly means. Huntoon caught readers’ attention with their debut, Skating on Mars (2023), and they deliver another appealing middle-school story that features exceptional trans representation.” ―Booklist
“The message of trans acceptance is front and center in this realistic fiction title; Huntoon creates meaningful and authentic conversations around topics important to trans youth and allies, while also maintaining a lighter tone that is more accessible for the middle school reader. Recommended.” ―School Library Journal
“Via alternating perspectives rendered in distinctive voices, Huntoon (Skating on Mars) thoughtfully cultivates subplots that expand upon the characters’ rich interiority…. making for a zippy and heartfelt tale of friendship and connection.” ―Publishers Weekly
“The characters’ sweet demeanors, lively dialogue, and ever-changing relationships will keep readers rooting for them until the book’s final pages. A tender story about moving through hurt and embracing uncertainty.” ―Kirkus
“Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, Linus and Etta is more than a win, it is a triumph. Readers will delight in this story of friendship and acceptance that has loveable leads, plenty of puns, and above all, a sparkling and lifesaving amount of queer joy.” —Justine Pucella Winans, author of Stonewall Honor Book The Otherwoods and Wishbone
“Caroline Huntoon brings plenty of laughs (and more than a few happy tears) to this hilarious, poignant, and uplifting novel about finding not only yourself, but also your people, all while navigating the shifting anxieties of middle school. Linus and Etta have my whole heart.” —Edward Underhill, author of Always the Almost and This Day Changes Everything
“Caroline Huntoon has the exceptional ability to balance the humorous with the heartfelt in their stories. Linus and Etta’s voices shine with authenticity in this compassionately told novel about coming out to friends and family, middle school relationships, one secret bet, and a student council election. I would vote for both Linus and Etta myself if I could!” —A. J. Sass, award winning author of Ellen Outside the Lines and Ana on the Edge
“Packed with middle school awkwardness, thorny feelings, and so much heart you can barely stand it, Linus and Etta Could Use a Win manages to capture a million tween experiences into one truly delightful book.” — Maggie Horne, author of Noah Frye Gets Crushed
CAROLINE HUNTOON 