Vida Beats the Odds

“A warm, poignant, and surprisingly witty story about families and mental health, filled with gentle humor and heart-pounding emotion.” ―Ann M. Martin, Author of Rain Reign and A Corner of the Universe, a Newbery Honor book

Vida is only thirteen years old, but do not let that fool you―she works twice as hard as most adults. She helps her overextended mother prepare for her city council speeches; she helps her lab partner, Juliana, control her impulses; and most important, she is a calming influence on her twin brother, Ollie, when he experiences violent episodes they call “Tumults.” But sometimes Vida doesn’t want to have it all together. Sometimes she just wants a chance to breathe.

Vida Beats the Odds is a propulsive, funny, and emotionally charged coming-of-age novel that has both whip-smart humor and aching humanity. It will be relatable to anyone who has loved and been leaned on, and then been leaned on a bit too hard.