The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones

By: Wendelin Van Draanen

Narrated by: JB Adkins

A fresh and funny story about a boy learning to become the brave hero of his own life, perfect for fans of Counting by 7s and The Fourteenth Goldfish.

My secret life is filled with psychic vampires, wheelchair zombies, chain-rattlin’ ghosts, and a one-eyed cat. But they’re nothing compared to my real-life stalker: a sixth-grade girl named Kandi Kain. . . .

Lincoln Jones is always working on the latest story he’s got going in his notebook. Those stories are his refuge. A place where the hero always prevails and the bad guy goes to jail. Real life is messy and complicated, so Lincoln sticks to fiction and keeps to himself. Which works fine until a nosy girl at his new school starts prying into his private business. She wants to know what he’s writing, where he disappears to after school, and why he never talks to anybody. . . .

The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones is a terrifically funny and poignant story about a boy finding the courage to get to know the real characters all around him—and to let them know him.


Praise for The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones:

Winner of the Josette Frank Award

"Van Draanen's engaging story is characterized by clever writing, a palpable affection for her characters, and a deep understanding of what's important about life. Readers will love Lincoln Jones."—Kirkus Reviews

"Van Draanen skillfully wraps up her tale, offering a realistically happy ending. A story with a perfect balance of mirth and poignancy." -- School Library Journal

"Lincoln is a delightful narrator." -- Booklist

Critic reviews

Winnner of the Josette Frank Award
This award for fiction honors a book of outstanding literary merit in which children or young people deal in a positive and realistic way with difficulties in their world and grow emotionally and morally.

"Van Draanen's engaging story is characterized by clever writing, a palpable affection for her characters, and a deep understanding of what's important about life. Readers will love Lincoln Jones."—Kirkus Reviews

"Van Draanen skillfully wraps up her tale, offering a realistically happy ending. A story with a perfect balance of mirth and poignancy." -- School Library Journal

"Van Draanen effectively portrays the frustrations of aging and memory loss through a mix of humor, sharp-eyed observations, and compassion. It’s a moving coming-of-age story about creating new and unexpected connections." -- Publishers Weekly

"Lincoln is a delightful narrator." -- Booklist

"A sweet and ultimately positive family drama." -- Bulletin

must read!

great read. one of my fave authors
love the real life lessons😁
loved the characters