Hazel’s Theory of Evolution

A middle grade novel from Harper
Published October 2019
ISBN: 9780062791177
Buy it: IndieBound | Barnes & Noble | Amazon

2020 Lambda Literary Award Winner
AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2020 Rainbow List Book

“Just because you don’t understand it doesn’t make it illogical.”

Hazel knows all about life on Earth. She could tell you anything from what earthworms eat to how fast a turkey can run. That’s because when she’s not hanging out with her best friend, Becca, or helping care for the goats on her family’s farm, she loves reading through dusty old encyclopedias. But even Hazel doesn’t have answers for the questions awaiting her as she enters eighth grade.

Due to redistricting, she has to attend a new school where she worries no one will understand her. And at home things get worse when she discovers one of her moms is pregnant. Hazel can’t wait to be a big sister, but her mom has already miscarried twice. Hazel fears it might happen again.

As Hazel struggles through the next few months, she’ll grow to realize that if the answers to life’s most important questions can’t be found in a book, she’ll have to find them within herself.

Praise

★ “This vivid first-person narrative revolves around the well-drawn main character as she slowly, reluctantly learns to cope with challenges and to enlarge her circle of friends….A heartfelt novel of family, friends, and change.”
—Booklist

“[Hazel’s] first-person narration is insightful; she’s highly likable, and her troubles and triumphs will sound familiar to many….Warm and memorable.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Bigelow celebrates intersectional diversity with her cast of well-drawn characters. Through a relatable first-person narrative, she…addresses universal conflicts adolescents face while paying tribute to their individuality.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Readers will find [Hazel’s] sensitive, reflective nature heartening. Recommended.”
—School Library Journal

Blog Love

“[Hazel’s] journey of inner growth and self discovery is both empowering and believable. The handling of sensitive topics such as infant loss, sexuality, identity, and disability are expertly handled thanks to the first-person narration and Bigelow’s mastery of character-driven story telling. This book is not to be missed!”
—Kid Lit Exchange

“It all ties together in a beautiful, touching novel that I can’t wait to recommend to people looking for an emotional, intense read and for middle grade asexual and aromantic representation.”
—Little Lion Lynnet’s

“Bigelow is masterful at exploring complex relationships between characters, which makes this story shine.”
—The Lesbrary

Interviews

June 17, 2019 – Stay on the Page
September 12, 2019 – Little Lion Lynnet’s
March 2020 – Cynsations

Cover art by Laura Bernard and design by Laura Mock