DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

My Big Heart-Shaped Fail

A Tween Comedy of Errors

Cindy Callaghan author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:SparkPress

Published:27th Oct '22

Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date

My Big Heart-Shaped Fail cover

Award-winning middle-grade novel from the author of Just Add Magic and Saltwater Secrets . . . .


In this hourly time-stamped, action-packed tween comedy of errors, Abby Gray, feeling weighed down by her secrets and lies, lets five balloons float into the sky with her deepest secrets attached to them in a desperate attempt to clear her conscience. Her relief is short-lived, though: the next day, those balloons start dropping one by one at her school, revealing Abby’s innermost thoughts to both friends and frenemies and creating hilarious misinterpretations of crushes amongst her peers.
This is the worst day of her life . . . or is it? Before the last bell rings, Abby manages to integrate the oddball who is blackmailing her into her friend group and to fix the mix-ups the notes have caused—not only getting couples back together but also making a few new love matches—and finally comes clean as the author of the notes that have created such chaos.

2022 Royal Dragonfly Award


“Full of heart, cringing decisions, and tween crush angst. Callaghan owns the sweet spot for this age reader. Hoping to see it on the screen.” 

— C. M. Surrisi, author of the Agatha-nominated Quinnie Boyd Mysteries, The Unofficial Lola Bay Fan Club, and Bone Quake: Awakening a Female Viking Warrior   


“Full of secrets, mix-ups, and a mystery crush, My Heart-Shaped Fail is a fun page-turner that celebrates the importance of being yourself.” 

— Amy Bearce, author of Paris on Repeat and Shortcuts   


“A sweet story of the twists and turns of female friendship, with a refreshing take on middle school drama." 

— Erin Dionne, author of Secrets of a Fangirl   


MY BIG HEART-SHAPED FAIL is engaging, clever, and full of heart. I found myself smiling the whole way through.” 

— Cyn Balog, author of That Night and Alone 


“There's so much to love about My Big Heart-Shaped Fail. The message mix-ups are hilarious, and the tests of friendship are relatable. Highly recommend!” 

— Olivia Sanabia, actress, Just Add Magic and Coop and Cami Ask the World

ISBN: 9781684631612

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

232 pages