Hidden Truths (Hardcover)
Staff Reviews
Best friends Dani and Eric are starting 6th grade with high hopes. Dani finally made the all-boys baseball team with her wicked fastball. Eric claims that this is the year he will have the courage to talk to his crush, Rachel. Then everything changes one morning, and suddenly Eric and Dani’s friendship has to find a way to survive the guilt and the pain – if it can. Written with dual points of view, readers get to hear from both Eric and Dani as they each struggle to find a path forward. A realistic, moving story of friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness.
— From Holiday Picks 2023
How far would you go to keep a promise? Told from alternating points of view, Hidden Truths is a story of changing friendships, the lies we tell, the secrets we keep, and the healing power of forgiveness.
Dani and Eric have been best friends since Dani moved next door in second grade. They bond over donuts, comic books, and camping on the Cape.
Until one summer when everything changes.
Did Eric cause the accident that leaves Dani unable to do the one thing in the world she most cares about? The question plagues him, and he will do anything to get answers about the explosion that injured her. But Dani is hurting too much to want Eric to pursue the truth—she just wants to shut him out and move on. Besides, Eric has a history of dropping things he starts. Eric knows that and is determined that this will be the one time he follows through.
But what if his pursuit brings him into direct conflict with another friend? Where does Eric’s loyalty really lie?
Dani and Eric have been best friends since Dani moved next door in second grade. They bond over donuts, comic books, and camping on the Cape.
Until one summer when everything changes.
Did Eric cause the accident that leaves Dani unable to do the one thing in the world she most cares about? The question plagues him, and he will do anything to get answers about the explosion that injured her. But Dani is hurting too much to want Eric to pursue the truth—she just wants to shut him out and move on. Besides, Eric has a history of dropping things he starts. Eric knows that and is determined that this will be the one time he follows through.
But what if his pursuit brings him into direct conflict with another friend? Where does Eric’s loyalty really lie?
Elly Swartz lives in Massachusetts and is happily married with two grown sons, a beagle named Lucy, and a pup named Baxter Bean. Dear Student, called a "heartfelt story with a fresh plot" by Parents Magazine, was her latest novel. She is also the author of Finding Perfect, Smart Cookie, and Give and Take, novels for middle-grade readers.
Praise for Hidden Truths:
★ "A warm testament to the healing power of mutual respect—and doughnuts."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "Swartz’s latest is realistic fiction at its best."—SLJ, starred review
“This is an incredible story of friendship, forgiveness, and loss. Readers will find it difficult to put down.”—Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery-winning author of Hello, Universe
"This novel has it all! Suspense, humor, and so much heart. Swartz perfectly captures the joys and pressures of being twelve. What does it mean to be a true friend? Can real friendship withstand anything? These forever questions are explored tenderly yet honestly in what's sure to be a forever favorite book."—Jennifer Ziegler, author of Worser
★ "A warm testament to the healing power of mutual respect—and doughnuts."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "Swartz’s latest is realistic fiction at its best."—SLJ, starred review
“This is an incredible story of friendship, forgiveness, and loss. Readers will find it difficult to put down.”—Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery-winning author of Hello, Universe
"This novel has it all! Suspense, humor, and so much heart. Swartz perfectly captures the joys and pressures of being twelve. What does it mean to be a true friend? Can real friendship withstand anything? These forever questions are explored tenderly yet honestly in what's sure to be a forever favorite book."—Jennifer Ziegler, author of Worser