Girl Against the Universe

By Paula Stokes | Publisher: HarperCollins

About the book

From the author of The Art of Lainey and Liars, Inc. comes a fresh, contemporary story about one girl’s tragic past and a boy who convinces her that maybe her luck is about to change. Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen or Jenny Han.

Maguire knows she’s bad luck. No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when Maguire is around. Like that time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash—and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch. But then on her way out of her therapist’s office, she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star, who wants to help Maguire break her unlucky streak. Maguire knows that the best thing she can do for Jordy is to stay away, but staying away may be harder than she thought.


  • Overcoming Trauma: As the sole survivor of the accident that took her family, Maguire is convinced she’s a walking disaster. But a new therapist challenges her to face the past, one terrifying step at a time.
  • First Love: Jordy is a rising tennis star who isn’t scared off by Maguire’s unlucky streak. He’s determined to show her she deserves happiness, even if it means getting close to her curse.
  • Mental Health Representation: A powerful and honest look at PTSD, anxiety, and the obsessive good-luck rituals Maguire uses to cope, perfect for readers seeking authentic mental health stories.
  • Therapy Positive: This heartfelt novel explores the healing journey as Maguire works through a list of therapy challenges designed to help her reclaim her life from fear.

Editions of Girl Against the Universe

Paperback
ISBN 9780062379979
EBook
ISBN 9780062379986

Read an Excerpt

From the author of The Art of Lainey and Liars, Inc. comes a fresh, contemporary story about one girl’s tragic past and a boy who convinces her that maybe her luck is about to change. Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen or Jenny Han.

Maguire knows she’s bad luck. No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when Maguire is around. Like that time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash—and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch. But then on her way out of her therapist’s office, she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star, who wants to help Maguire break her unlucky streak. Maguire knows that the best thing she can do for Jordy is to stay away, but staying away may be harder than she thought.


  • Overcoming Trauma: As the sole survivor of the accident that took her family, Maguire is convinced she’s a walking disaster. But a new therapist challenges her to face the past, one terrifying step at a time.
  • First Love: Jordy is a rising tennis star who isn’t scared off by Maguire’s unlucky streak. He’s determined to show her she deserves happiness, even if it means getting close to her curse.
  • Mental Health Representation: A powerful and honest look at PTSD, anxiety, and the obsessive good-luck rituals Maguire uses to cope, perfect for readers seeking authentic mental health stories.
  • Therapy Positive: This heartfelt novel explores the healing journey as Maguire works through a list of therapy challenges designed to help her reclaim her life from fear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Girl Against the Universe about?

From the author of The Art of Lainey and Liars, Inc. comes a fresh, contemporary story about one girl’s tragic past and a boy who convinces her that maybe her luck is about to change. Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen or Jenny Han.

Maguire knows she’s bad luck. No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when Maguire is around. Like that time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash—and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch. But then on her way out of her therapist’s office, she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star, who wants to help Maguire break her unlucky streak. Maguire knows that the best thing she can do for Jordy is to stay away, but staying away may be harder than she thought.


  • Overcoming Trauma: As the sole survivor of the accident that took her family, Maguire is convinced she’s a walking disaster. But a new therapist challenges her to face the past, one terrifying step at a time.
  • First Love: Jordy is a rising tennis star who isn’t scared off by Maguire’s unlucky streak. He’s determined to show her she deserves happiness, even if it means getting close to her curse.
  • Mental Health Representation: A powerful and honest look at PTSD, anxiety, and the obsessive good-luck rituals Maguire uses to cope, perfect for readers seeking authentic mental health stories.
  • Therapy Positive: This heartfelt novel explores the healing journey as Maguire works through a list of therapy challenges designed to help her reclaim her life from fear.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Girl Against the Universe?

Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories > Children’s / Teenage fiction: Sporting stories

Where can I read a sample of Girl Against the Universe?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062379979

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Girl Against the Universe?

Paula Stokes

Who is the Publisher of the book Girl Against the Universe?

HarperCollins

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Girl Against the Universe is available as paperback(ISBN 9780062379979) and ebook(ISBN 9780062379986)

Where can I buy Girl Against the Universe online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Girl Against the Universe from below

Where can I buy Girl Against the Universe?