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In this poignant, perceptive, witty novel, Gary D. Schmidt brings authenticity and emotion to multiple plot strands, weaving in themes of grief, loss, redemption, achievement, and love. Following the death of her closest friend in summer 1968, Meryl Lee Kowalski goes off to St. Elene's Preparatory Academy for Girls, where she struggles to navigate the venerable boarding school's traditions and a social structure heavily weighted toward students from wealthy backgrounds. In a parallel story, Matt Coffin has wound up on the Maine coast near St. Elene's with a pillowcase full of money lifted from the leader of a criminal gang, fearing the gang's relentless, destructive pursuit. Both young people gradually dispel their loneliness, finding a way to be hopeful and also finding each other.







 

In the novel, "Just Like That" by Gary D. Schmidt, the protagonist, Jack Gantos, experiences a life-changing event that leaves him with a newfound understanding of empathy and the power of human connection.

At 13, Jack's world is upended when he is wrongly convicted of a crime and sent to a reform school. Faced with harsh conditions and unsympathetic authority figures, Jack struggles to maintain his innocence and dignity.

As he navigates the challenges of his confinement, Jack forms a bond with a fellow inmate, Tony D., a charismatic and troubled boy who becomes his unlikely mentor. Through Tony, Jack learns the importance of empathy, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship.

With the help of his newfound understanding, Jack embarks on a quest to clear his name and return to his former life. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters who teach him valuable lessons about the complexities of human nature.

Ultimately, "Just Like That" is a poignant and inspiring story about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of second chances. Schmidt's masterful storytelling and vivid characters make this a must-read for readers of all ages.