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The Secret Winners Club

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Pub Date Mar 03 2026 | Archive Date Feb 21 2026


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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.

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...


A Note From the Publisher

For young readers between 9-13, fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, R.J. Palacio, Sharon Draper, and Joan Bauer.

Why Donna to write this book?
Donna has several autoimmune conditions, some visible, like the characters in this story and relates to how it feels to look different and try to stand out for something other than your appearance.

You may like The Secret Winners Club if you like these books:
Hello, Universe
Fish in a Tree
Counting by 7’s
Wonder

Key Points:
 A powerful story rich in identity, friendship, and second chances.
 For readers yearning to belong through creative, new adventures.
 A cast of characters struggling with skin conditions.
 Full of challenges, human connection, and sweet encounters.
 Tween club settings with STEAM and autoimmune themes

Keywords:
friendship, family, coming-of-age, theater, autoimmune, STEM, swim team, STEAM, bullying, junkbot, vitiligo, alopecia, psoriasis, school clubs, identity, LGBTQIA+, new experiences, self-acceptance, inventions, technology

Audience:
 Tech, theater & swim lovers
 Kids seeking self-acceptance
 Fans of friendship stories
 Those with skin conditions

For young readers between 9-13, fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, R.J. Palacio, Sharon Draper, and Joan Bauer.

Why Donna to write this book?
Donna has several autoimmune conditions, some visible, like...


Advance Praise

“I can’t imagine any young person who “looks different” or wonders about those who do, not relating to this honest, carefully crafted story. It is a fine weaving of heartache, grit, humor, and the ethics of what it means to get even.”—Joan Bauer, NY Times Best-selling author and winner of the Newbery Honor Medal and LA Times Book Prize

“The characters in The Secret Winners Club jump off the page. You root for this group of friends as they try to figure out what it means to go after their dreams, to seek help from others, and if winning at any cost is really winning at all. Filled with wisdom and heart, it perfectly fills that gap between middle grade and young adult and will inspire readers to pursue their own goals.” —Wendy Mass, New York Times Bestselling author of 30+ books for young people

“A heartwarming must-read about friendship, second chances, and overcoming adversity.”—Jaime Berry, author of Heart Finds

"An inspiring and heartfelt story about courage, friendship, and the power of self-acceptance. The reader will remember this emotionally rich and deeply compassionate novel long after they finish reading it.”—Suzie Housley, Midwest Book Review

“This is a heart-warming and page-turning read for anyone who has ever felt different. A gift for the misfits and adventurers in our soul. I wish I’d had this book as a kid.”—Sarah Allen, author of Breathing Underwater

“Middle schoolers of all types, whether athlete, STEM, or theater kid, those with autoimmune disorders or not, will see themselves reflected in this heartfelt tale of teamwork and the cost of striving to be the best. As a competitive swimmer with asthma and a junior high nemesis, I would have gobbled up The Secret Winners Club.”—Shannon Doleski, author of Gabe in the After

“I can’t imagine any young person who “looks different” or wonders about those who do, not relating to this honest, carefully crafted story. It is a fine weaving of heartache, grit, humor, and the...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781736316290
PRICE $5.99 (USD)
PAGES 299

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