How to Build a Heart

by Maria Padian

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This heartfelt novel follows one young woman's journey to find her place in the world as the carefully separated strands of her life—family, money, school, and love—begin to overlap and tangle.

All sixteen-year-old Izzy Crawford wants is to feel like she really belongs somewhere. Her father, a marine, died...

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Published By Algonquin Young Readers

Format Paperback

Number Of Pages 352

Publication Date 02/02/2021

ISBN 9781643750880

Dimensions 5.45 inches x 8.3 inches


“Padian shows again and again that a story is always more complicated and more ordinary than it seems.”
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"Padian takes a familiar theme—a girl hiding her background from others—and makes it fresh with her protagonist, Izzy Crawford . . . The characters around her are well-defined and support Izzy and the plot well. Throughout the novel, Izzy's strength, candor, and humanity shine through."
Booklist

“Padian creates a compelling world with relatable characters and deals with serious issues without feeling heavy-handed. An excellent classroom or book discussion starter. Hand this to readers who are ready to tackle these issues with a lighter touch.”
School Library Journal

"An absolutely enthralling depiction of family and self-discovery."
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Padian creates a world that the reader can easily dive into. Anyone who’s ever been a self-conscious teen will see themselves in Izzy."
Book Riot