Too Big to Say

Perfect for fans of The Trouble with Heroes and Hey, Kiddo, this heartfelt illustrated novel tells the story of two friends who help each other make tough decisions while on a hiking adventure.
 
Two middle schoolers, Jaxson and South, embark on a day-long mission to climb the fire tower at the top of Mount Hope. Until now, the two have been mostly long-distance friends, but after months of planning for and dreaming about this day, they’re finally together in-person.

As they hike up the mountain, Jaxson is distracted by flashbacks—vivid thoughts about his mom’s deteriorating mental health and his worsening homelife. Meanwhile, South is trying to face their fear of heights, while worrying about disappointing their hyper critical dad. The two are so busy grappling with their inner struggles that they nearly jeopardize their friendship (and developing crush)…until it becomes clear they each have to make a tough decision. But are some things too big to say?

Moving, authentic, and hopefully told through prose and illustrated flashbacks, this story is for any young person who needs to remember the strength they can always find in their friends and in themselves.

• "This story will make you hurt 'til you cry. It will also make your heart overflow with the joy of finding yourself in another person. Hey, human, indeed.”
  LeUyen Pham, Caldecott Honor and Eisner Award winning author
• "Tender and very moving with suspenseful outdoor adventure to boot, Too Big to Say is an affirming hug of a book. It will make its readers feel seen and held.”
  Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor recipient and New York Times bestselling author
• "Reading Too Big to Say feels like actually walking around in somebody else’s skin! It’s a visceral and utterly engrossing experience, uncomfortable in all the best ways. Bildner and Curato will transport (and maybe transform) you with this powerful, touching book.”
  Laurel Snyder, National Book Award nominee and recipient of the Geisel Award and Sydney Taylor Award
• “Tender and heartfelt. A complex, beautiful journey reminding us that we all deserve to feel safe and deserve to have our ‘person’ when it comes to family and love.”
  Torrey Maldonado, educator & Global Read Aloud Award-winning author of Hands
• "Moving, tender, and powerful. Jax and South prove how friendship and love can bring out the best in all of us."
  Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honor winner