Kindle
$8.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$11.18
Kindle Price: $8.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $15.75

Save: $2.76 (18%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

Emily Blejwas
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Once You Know This Kindle Edition

by Emily Blejwas (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 22 ratings
See all formats and editions
A girl wishes for a better life for herself, her mom, and her baby brother and musters the courage to make it happen in this moving and emotionally satisfying story for readers of Kate DiCamillo and Lynda Mullaly Hunt.

“Once You Know This reminds me of a flower blooming in the crack of a sidewalk. It’s important, and it’s special. Just read it.”—Ali Benjamin, New York Times bestselling author of The Thing About Jellyfish
 
Eleven-year-old Brittany knows there has to be a better world out there. Lately, though, it sure doesn’t feel like it. She and her best friend, Marisol, stick together at school, but at home Brittany’s granny is sick, her cat is missing, there’s never any money, and there’s her little brother, Tommy, to worry about. Brittany has a hard time picturing her future as anything but a plain white sky. If her life is going to ever change, she needs a plan. And once she starts believing in herself, Brittany realizes that what has always seemed out of reach might be just around the corner.
 
This debut novel by Emily Blejwas is perfect for readers who love emotionally satisfying books. Thoughtful and understated, it’s the hopeful story of a girl who struggles to make her future bright . . . and the makeshift family that emerges around her.

A Junior Library Guild Selection
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    9 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    224 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    4 - 7
  5. Lexile measure
    850L
  6. Publisher
    Delacorte Press
  7. Publication date
    September 19, 2017
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  12. ISBN-13
    978-1524700973
  13. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5–8—Eleven-year-old Brittany's tense home life has turned her into an observant planner. An absent father, an abusive stepfather, and a live-in grandmother with Alzheimer's are just the start. Brittany's little brother has pneumonia, and she and her family do not have enough to eat. Despite the problems swirling around her world, Brittany works on developing her "Plan B." A bright star in her school life is her encouraging teacher, Mr. McInnis, who invites students to imagine their future. Told in the first person, the story is packed with emotion, and readers will root for Brittany. Blejwas doesn't shy away from addressing difficult issues, including domestic violence and suicide. VERDICT A poignant and emotionally driven debut novel for readers mature enough to handle the serious subject matter. Likely to spark discussion.—Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

Review

"A poignant and emotionally driven debut."--SLJ

"Some readers may know Brittany's world well, others will find it surprising; all will appreciate the way Brittany's actions propel the resolution. Hard to take but ultimately hopeful."--Kirkus

"Uplifting . . . Brittany gives many readers a compassionate glimpse into their own near-desperate lives and offers others a window into a world they may not really have seen or understood."--The Horn Book

"Heartfelt and sincere with a strong dose of hopeful . . . I can see it becoming a favorite."--My Comfy Chair

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01MR8VTZX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Delacorte Press (September 19, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 19, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 9778 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1524700975
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 22 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Emily Blejwas

Emily Blejwas

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Emily Blejwas grew up in Minnesota and now lives in Mobile, Alabama with her husband and four children. She directs the Alabama Folklife Association and has worked in the fields of health policy, community development, and victim advocacy.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
22 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Quancepts
5.0 out of 5 stars Written with the unfiltered insight of a child
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2019
Verified Purchase
I didn't know what to expect before reading Emily's debut novel. I had not read a novel in many years. My reading time was allocated towards more mundane subjects such as management, business, and technology. So I was pleasantly surprised to become absorbed in the world of an 11 year old and her very relatable struggles.

The writing style and perspective reminded me of Mark Twain's stories. That is to say, the characters are full of wit without even trying. Even though the language was that of an 11 year old, the thought and perspective were much deeper. She was able to describe the difficult journey of the adults around her in such a clear way, all the while trying to keep sane herself. Well done.

For all those people going through difficult times right now, take heed of the action of an 11 year old and create your plan B. I look forward to reading Emily's next novel.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Victoria
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and Well-Written
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2017
Verified Purchase
Once You Know This is the kind of book that sticks with you long after you've finished reading it. It tells the story of poverty, domestic violence, and, ultimately, hope from a child's point of view. It does this without preaching, sugarcoating, or talking down to its intended audience, all while being accessible to a wide spectrum of potential readers. Brittany, the book's narrator, is likable and very real, and her story is such an important one to hear. Just read it. You will not be disappointed.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Benjamin L. Langhinrichs
4.0 out of 5 stars Intense but satisfying for readers who aren't too sensitive
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2018
I am not always a fan of "issue" books, and at first I worried this might be too gritty and harsh for middle grade kids to deal with. I think the author could have lightened her touch a little at first, but the characters are strong and appealing, and I quickly got caught up in the glimpses of hope that Brittany couldn't always see for herself. Her friend, Marisol, is a gem (both as a friend and as a character), and I grew more and more interested in the various people who Brittany depends on or who depend on her to get through a life that feels insurmountable yet real.

In some ways, this reminds me of  Sorta Like a Rock Star  by Matthew Quick, though aimed at somewhat younger readers. That is high praise from me, though it is tempered by the worry that only some kids will be able to handle the variety of issues. But perhaps I underestimate today's middle grade students, many of whom deal with a world that is difficult and challenging.

I like how the seeds of hope are planted in this book, and that when they grow, it is not unrealistically rosy, but is very satisfying. I also like that the adults in Brittany's life, while flawed in different ways, are clearly trying to do what is best for her, even when they can't always manage.

ONCE YOU KNOW THIS is heartfelt and sincere with a strong dose of hopeful even against a grim backdrop. Ultimately, it is very satisfying, and the characters will stay with you. For those children who relate to it, I can see it becoming a favorite.

This is a very good book, and I recommend it for 9-14 year-olds with the caveat that it is somewhat intense, and the number of issues may be wonderful for some readers, but too much for others.

Four stars out of five. (Reposted from mycomfychair.blogspot.com)
Helpful
 Report
Ginger Mulcrone
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring youth could impact the course of domestic violence.
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2017
Verified Purchase
A story of hope and encouragement that even an 11 year old can make a plan to shape ones future. This should be on every middle school's reading list. Perhaps this is what we have hoped for to help break cycles of family violence. I thoroughly enjoyed Emily's writing style and I think you will too.
Helpful
 Report
Harley_52
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
Great product, fair price, fast shipping. What more could you ask?
Helpful
 Report
Sam chambers
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2018
Verified Purchase
What a wonderful read! highly recommended for all ages honestly. Give us more Emily!
Helpful
 Report
Regina Benjamin
5.0 out of 5 stars Inner Strength
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2017
Verified Purchase
The inner strength of a young girl is inspiring to all ages.
Helpful
 Report
endlesswonderofreading
3.0 out of 5 stars The Good: I don't mind angst in books whether they ...
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2017
Vine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )
My thoughts are all over the place when it comes to Once You Know This. On the one hand, it was an interesting and quick read. On the other hand, there were a few things that kept me from fully enjoying it.

The Good: I don't mind angst in books whether they be Young Adult, Adult, and/or Middle Grade. So, I had absolutely no problem with this book dealing with sadder and tougher issues. Sure, it's middle grade, but guess what? Some kids this age ARE going through tough stuff like poverty, domestic violence, dealing with family members who are ill, etc. We're not doing anyone any favors by putting our heads in the sandbox and pretending otherwise. Once You Know This had these themes in the book. However, I never once felt like it was too much, too dark, nor did I feel like these themes were dealt with in an inappropriate way.

More Good: This book was an insanely quick read. I think I read it in under two hours. I also liked getting into Brittany's head, liked reading her thoughts about her home life and school, and really liked Mr. McInnis.

The Eh: I wasn't a huge fan of the way Once You Know This was told. It didn't flow very well and it jumped around a lot. It was jarring and abrupt at first, but eventually I got used to it. I also wasn't a fan of how the resolution came about. I feel like that could have been slightly more developed. I also feel like there was a plot point regarding the Mom's health that was never fully explored and just left up in the air.

In the end, I thought that Once You Know This was an okay read. While I do think it's appropriate for a middle grade audience, there's not really a lot of lightheartedness in the book and I think everyone should know that. However, the themes are dealt with in an appropriate way, so again, I think it's fine for its intended age bracket.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report