A.J. Symon
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers is thrilled to publish GOLDEN BOY, a heartwarming and hilarious debut perfect for tweens, written by A.J. Symon. When the beloved family golden retriever becomes human, a girl’s relationships with her family and herself transform in ways she never thought possible.
Science-obsessed, teen-genius Emma Branch is used to being the odd one out—in her family, among her classmates, and in her small town that only ever seems to care about football. She doesn’t mind being all alone; in fact, she prefers it. Besides, who needs friends when she has a best friend already—her golden retriever, Hudson.But when Hudson gets into an accident, Emma can’t bear to lose her only friend. Luckily, she’s been working on an experimental substance for her school science project that could help him out. All it was supposed to do was heal Hudson, not…turn him into a real, live human being?!
Emma, her family, and the whole town is about to learn just how a golden retriever can change hearts and minds for the better—that is, after causing a big, old mess first.
Inspired by a game of fetch with his golden retriever, A.J. Symon began writing Golden Boy after thinking “If that dog were human, he’d be an amazing running back”. Symon’s voice has a sweet, nostalgic quality to it that makes the read feel classic. Golden Boy teaches everyone that life is simple, to chase your dreams, and to show the people in your life how much you love them (even if it means getting slobbered on with puppy love).
A.J. Symon was born and raised in the South where he was instilled with a love of football, dogs, and any food that’s been breaded and deep-fried. He got the idea for GOLDEN BOY when what he assumed was a game of fetch with his golden retriever turned into a game of keep-away. Symon lives with his family in Barnesville, Georgia, where the proceeds from this book will help keep several golden retrievers in the lifestyle to which they’ve become accustomed.
A.J. Symon will be in the Lowcountry with his book on the following dates:
Friday, September 25
Beaufort, South Carolina
4:00-6:00 p.m., book signing and reading at
Saturday, September 26
Bluffton, South Carolina
10th Annual Lowcountry Book Club Convention hosted by the Pat Conroy Literary Center
Sunday, September 27
Bluffton, South Carolina
Timing TBD, book signing at the Bluffton Storybook Shoppe
