The Story
1st Rule of The Secret Winners Club: Do whatever it takes.
Thirteen-year-old Sunny Whitlock has alopecia, an autoimmune condition that's made her lose her hair-and she's desperate to be seen as more than just the bald kid. But how? By setting an epic goal: win her school's junkbot club competition. And if she's #1, then other kids will have to see beyond her disease ... and she'll finally fit in.
Sunny's immune-deficient best friends are also tired of looking different and achieving second place in their school competitions. With a bold plan, Sunny bands with them to create The Secret Winners Club, a club devised to win-at any cost-and push them outside their comfort zones.
They promise to trust no one else. It's all classified! And in total secrecy they aim to help one another become #1 before this middle school year is over. But as they start to succeed, they quickly discover that crossing the line and hurting others can make them even more visible and even more an outsider.
The Secret Winners Club speaks directly to:
- Kids living with chronic illness like autoimmune and skin conditions
- Young readers navigating identity, visibility, and self-acceptance
- Fans of friendship-driven, coming-of-age stories with STEAM elements
- Those who love theater, swimming, technology, and school competitions
Author: Donna Galanti
Publisher: Wild Trail Press
Published: 03/03/2026
Pages: 310
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.12lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.81d
ISBN: 9781736316290
Audience: Ages 9-12
About the Author
Galanti, Donna: - Donna Galanti is the award-winning children's book author of the Unicorn Island series, Joshua and the Lightning Road series, and Loon Cove Summer as well as the bestselling Element Trilogy thrillers for adults. She has lived in fun locations including England, her family-owned campground in New Hampshire, and in Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer. Donna is an avid outdoor adventurer and nature lover. She volunteers for the Old-Growth Forest Network and the National Audubon Society. For details on her books, events, and school programs, visit her at donnagalanti.com.
Description
1st Rule of The Secret Winners Club: Do whatever it takes.
Thirteen-year-old Sunny Whitlock has alopecia, an autoimmune condition that's made her lose her hair-and she's desperate to be seen as more than just the bald kid. But how? By setting an epic goal: win her school's junkbot club competition. And if she's #1, then other kids will have to see beyond her disease ... and she'll finally fit in.
Sunny's immune-deficient best friends are also tired of looking different and achieving second place in their school competitions. With a bold plan, Sunny bands with them to create The Secret Winners Club, a club devised to win-at any cost-and push them outside their comfort zones.
They promise to trust no one else. It's all classified! And in total secrecy they aim to help one another become #1 before this middle school year is over. But as they start to succeed, they quickly discover that crossing the line and hurting others can make them even more visible and even more an outsider.
The Secret Winners Club speaks directly to:
- Kids living with chronic illness like autoimmune and skin conditions
- Young readers navigating identity, visibility, and self-acceptance
- Fans of friendship-driven, coming-of-age stories with STEAM elements
- Those who love theater, swimming, technology, and school competitions
Author: Donna Galanti
Publisher: Wild Trail Press
Published: 03/03/2026
Pages: 310
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.12lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.81d
ISBN: 9781736316290
Audience: Ages 9-12
About the Author
Galanti, Donna: - Donna Galanti is the award-winning children's book author of the Unicorn Island series, Joshua and the Lightning Road series, and Loon Cove Summer as well as the bestselling Element Trilogy thrillers for adults. She has lived in fun locations including England, her family-owned campground in New Hampshire, and in Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer. Donna is an avid outdoor adventurer and nature lover. She volunteers for the Old-Growth Forest Network and the National Audubon Society. For details on her books, events, and school programs, visit her at donnagalanti.com.
