JEN WINANS

THE VERY THING

"I couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait for her next book." ~ Tiffany E

"I had a nostalgic journey back to my high school days while reading it with lots of great memories!" ~Victoria L

Imagine a 15-year-old city girl at heart, stuck in a small town. Throw in life-threatening food allergies, high school drama with the meanest of mean girls, and top it off with rescue dogs—and you've got The Very Thing.

Buy Now!

PRAISE

"Jen Winans does a fabulous job of letting the reader experience the world from a different lens. Creating an opportunity for the development of empathy and understanding around those with food allergies."
~ Shana C

"High school is a difficult time for most of us. This book helps you to not only relive and then examine your own experiences, but to better understand the challenges of other people. In a time when empathy and understanding are paramount, this book offers a powerful take on coming of age, health difficulties, and the resilience of the human spirit that we can each apply to our own lives."
~ Teacher Pick =) Jessica J

"Reading this book was entertaining, educational, and healing for my inner teenage self who experienced a large amount of bullying throughout school. From the moment I picked it up I couldn’t put it down - the first book I finished cover to cover in many years. The story is so relatable, the characters full of depth and character and now one of my favorite reads. I’m really looking forward to what Jen writes next." ~ Blake F

ABOUT JEN

Jen Winans is a former elementary school teacher who lives and writes in a beautiful corner of the United States with her two dogs, her husband, and her two children nearby. She is happily dedicating herself to her secret lifelong dream of being an author. The Very Thing is her first book.

THE BOOK

Ridgeville High is officially back in session after the summer. Fifteen-year-old Stella, who has been misunderstood, bullied, and ostracized because of her severe food allergies, is mostly a loner who is fine with being ignored by the entire student body. She is perfectly happy being a party of two with her best friend, Izzy. Unfortunately, Izzy has other ideas and is trying her best to fit in with the ever-popular, Emma, and her gaggle of minions.

As Izzy slowly morphs into her new role as Emma’s sidekick, Stella retreats into her books where she always finds peace. While she deflects attacks from Emma, Stella can’t wait for the day she gets to leave this small town knowing she just doesn’t fit in. Meanwhile, Stella’s dad suggests that she volunteer at the local animal shelter, and although not necessarily in her nature to embrace new adventures, Stella decides to give it a try. As she makes new friends, in both human and dog form, will Stella finally see the light at the end of the high school tunnel?

In this inspiring story, a teen who has been misunderstood and bullied for life-threatening food allergies finds the courage to trust herself after gaining strength from some heartwarming rescue dogs.