The Lonely Book

"This brave, kind novel in verse explores gender identity in an original way."

-- Sarah Webb * Irish Independent *
"By emphasizing the ways in which books and bookstores serve as safe spaces, the importance of open and honest communication in relationships, and the power of unconditional love, Grehan offers a wholesome and affirming story suffused with warmth and populated by a supportive and compassionate cast. " -- Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"There is much for every reader to enjoy in this celebration of the wonders of bookshops and family love."

* The Echo *

"What a tender jewel of a book ... The Lonely Book was a balm and a blessing."

* Deirdre Sullivan, author of Savage Her Reply *

"A beautifully immersive, magical and timely tale of family, gender identity - and the importance of a good book! I binged Meg Grehan's The Lonely Book in one sitting, it's the perfect warm and love-filled escape for bookworms of all ages, especially those who've always believed in the magic of bookstores."

* Aislinn O'Loughlin, author of Big Bad Me *

"I love this. I adore the language, the idea ... I'm definitely going to be recommending this one highly!"

* Read and Reviewed *

"Simply breathtaking."

* Karla Bookish Life, 5 star review *

"Grehan's writing style is lovely ... I also deeply enjoyed the magical element of the story and how it emphasized how meaningful and even life-changing the right book can be for a person."

-- Queer Big Foot

'A Middle-Grade chapter book that tackles the diverse topic of gender identity uniquely and magically.'

* YA Books Central *

'This Lonely Book has traveled with me so many places and I have pulled it out and shared it again and again so maybe it's a little less lonely.'

* Wandering Bookseller *

'[An] emotional powerhouse of a book.'

* Reading with Red and the Magpie *

'I absolutely loved this one. All of Meg Grehan’s books for young readers feel like a warm hug. They are lovely and compassionate tales that aim to include and empower young readers. I loved the subtle magic of the bookshop and the main character’s journey in supporting their sibling. Also love to see books in a two-mom household that mirror my future household. Will be recommending this one far and wide!' 

* NetGalley Reviewer, 5 star review *

'They say don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but I was immediately drawn in when I saw the cover of The Lonely Book on NetGalley! It is such a sweet cover and it immediately conveys how warm and cozy the story inside is. I was also excited to see another book by Meg Grehan! I read one of her YA books, Baby Teeth, at the beginning of the year, and I adored it.' 

* NetGalley Reviewer, 5 star review *

'Very cute and sweet! Annie’s love and care for her family and their home and the love her family had for each other was so heartwarming.'

* NetGalley Librarian, 5 Star review *

'This book was so gentle--with the reader, with the characters, with the subject matter. Even though there was a deep ache for the "lonely" book to find it's reader, there was also deep comfort in the book. I've read pretty much everything by Meg Grehan and remain a fan.'

 

* NetGalley, 5 star review *

'What a beautiful, magical story ... Gender identity and anxiety are areas with little representation in literature for this target age of 8-11 years old. This book is queer joy. You will laugh and cry and probably wish you could visit their magical bookstore yourself. Highly recommend.'

 

* NetGalley Librarian, 5 star review *

'This is a very sweet book that teaches children about gender identity in a very simple way.'

* NetGalley Reviewer, 5 star review *

'One of my favorite reads of the year. This heartwarming book about a magical bookstore reminds its readers just how important it is to love all that makes you you.'

* NetGalley Reviewer, 5 star review *

'This book was so sweet! It was a perfect little slice-of-life book with a touch of magical realism and a touching story to boot. It's definitely not just a book for younger people, either. As a queer adult, I found reading this book to be incredibly fulfilling.'

* NetGalley Reviewer, 5 star review *

'A book that is hard to put down once you open it. I think that this is a valuable book to have in any classroom or public library.'

* Goodreads/NetGalley Librarian, 5 star review *

'Grehan’s writing style is lovely, and she captured Annie’s youthful and inquisitive spirit so nicely, and it was so clear how much love she held for her moms and Charlie, her older sibling ... It was truly a wonderful read.'

* NetGalley Reviewer, 5 star review *

Praise for The Deepest Breath

"Powerful in its simplicity ... A fierce reminder of the need for books that show readers of all kinds of love, as well as being this kind of book itself."

* The Irish Times *

Praise for The Deepest Breath

‘So utterly real ... Amazing to think it’s only Grehan’s second book.’

* The Irish Independent *

Praise for Baby Teeth

"Grehan’s verse novel skilfully charts uncertainty, temptation and the course of a strange, desperate love."

* The Guardian *

Praise for The Deepest Breath

"Small in scope and big in heart and feeling, this novel is a tender portrait of gay early adolescence and a strong mother-daughter attachment."

* Publishers Weekly *

Praise for Baby Teeth

"Grehan evocatively conjures Immy’s tragic sense of isolation and hard-won self-acceptance."

* Financial Times *

Praise for Baby Teeth

"Emotionally rich and gloriously queer."

* Kirkus, starred revi