Honestly Elliott by McDunn

From the highly acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer comes a new heartwarming and unforgettable middle grade novel.

Elliott has never had many friends, and he’s sure where he fits into his own family, especially since his newly remarried dad and stepmom are expecting a baby. His only solace is cooking, where he can control the outcome, testing exciting recipes and watching his favorite cooking shows.
When he’s paired with the super-popular Maribel for a school-wide business project, Elliott is a little nervous that they won’t see eye to eye. But Maribel is also looking for a new way to show others her true self, and sometimes the least likely friends have the most in common . . . and sometimes you have to make a few mistakes before you learn what’s right.
Exploring themes of family, friendship, and boyhood, Gillian McDunn weaves another heart-bursting tale about a kid learning how to be their his true self.