Woolwich author Jacobson’s new middle-grade novel released

WOOLWICH — From Jennifer Richard Jacobson, author of the award-winning “Small as an Elephant” and “Paper Things,” comes “The Dollar Kids,” novel for 10 to 14-year-olds about guilt and grief, family and friendship, and above all, community.

The story is illustrated by comic book artist Ryan Andrews. “The Dollar Kids” will be released in August, with a presentation at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6,. at the Briar Patch bookstore, 27 Central St., Bangor.
Jacobson also will appear at Books-A-Million in South Portland at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, as part of a panel discussion on middle grade books.
“The Dollar Kids” — inspired by both the Sandy Hook school shooting and the struggle of the mill towns near the author’s family cabin near Mount Katahdin — traces the story of 12-year-old Lowen Grover, a budding comic-book artist still reeling from the shooting death of his friend Abe, when he stumbles across an article about the “Dollar Program” and a former mill town giving away homes for just one dollar.
After re-settling in hopes of reinventing themselves, the Grovers find some townsfolk cling to the hope that things will go back to the way they used to be. Both have to rise above their indignation.
“Jacobson memorably sketches Lowen’s family dynamics, particularly his complicated relationship with his older brother, and his journey offers a compelling portrait of community and rebirth,” Publisher’s Weekly writes, and Kirkus Reviews calls the book, “A rich, thoughtful exploration of individual and community resilience.”
Jacobson is a writer, teacher, educational consultant and speaker. She writes for many ages, from children’s picture books to adult nonfiction. She is a three-time Maine Library Association Lupine Award Winner and lives in Woolwich. For more information about her visit www.jenniferjacobson.com.