How to Read Amy Makechnie’s Books
Because Amy Makechnie writes standalone contemporary middle-grade novels, there is no single mandatory path or chronological order you must follow. You can pick up any of her books and dive straight in without worrying about missing critical backstory. However, depending on what type of reader you are, certain starting points will suit you best.
- For the Mystery and Small-Town Vibe: Start with her debut, The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair. It offers a classic mystery layout reminiscent of Harriet the Spy combined with a deeply moving story about family recovery.
- For Emotional Resonance and Sports Action: Start with Ten Thousand Tries. This book is perfect for young sports fans and anyone looking for a story that tackles heavy topics like terminal illness with grace and ultimate hope.
- For Pure Fun and Chaotic Family Dynamics: Start with The McNifficents. Told from the perspective of an eccentric miniature schnauzer nanny, it is the lightest and most humorous of her books.
Amy Makechnie’s Books in Publication Order
Reading Makechnie’s novels in the order they were published allows you to appreciate her growth as a storyteller. Here is the publication order of her works:
- The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair (June 2018)
- Ten Thousand Tries (July 2021)
- The McNifficents (June 2023)
Deep Dive: The Standalone Novels
1. The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair (2018)
Guinevere "Gwyn" St. Clair is a sassy, intelligent ten-year-old who wants to be a lawyer. When her father moves the family from New York City back to his rural hometown of Crow, Iowa, it is a desperate attempt to help her mother, Vienna. Vienna suffered a traumatic brain injury years ago and has no memories of her life past the age of thirteen, meaning she does not remember her husband or her daughters. While struggling with this emotional reality, Gwyn gets swept up in a local mystery when a neighboring farmer goes missing, leading her to suspect their eccentric neighbor, Gaysie Cutter. Through her investigations, Gwyn discovers that local secrets run deep and that healing takes many forms.
2. Ten Thousand Tries (2021)
Golden "Macaroni" Maroni is an eighth-grader obsessed with soccer and Lionel Messi. He has two major goals: lead his middle school soccer team to a championship and keep his best friend, Lucy, from moving away. However, his world is turned upside down when his father, a former professional soccer player, is diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Armed with the belief that practice and determination can solve anything, Golden decides he will put in "ten thousand tries" to cure his father. As the physical realities of the illness set in, Golden has to learn to accept the things he cannot change while focusing on the love and moments he can control.
3. The McNifficents (2023)
In a departure from the heavier emotional themes of her first two books, this story is narrated by Lord Tennyson, a distinguished senior Miniature Schnauzer. Lord Tennyson views himself as the official nanny and primary protector of the six chaotic McNiff children. When summer vacation begins, the bedlam of the household rises to a level that prompts Mr. and Mrs. McNiff to consider hiring a human nanny. Terrified of losing his position, Lord Tennyson goes on a mission to get the children’s wild antics under control, resulting in a humorous and heartwarming exploration of large-family dynamics.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Amy Makechnie's work, it helps to understand her signature style. As a former high school anatomy and physiology teacher and youth soccer coach, Makechnie writes with an authentic understanding of young minds, family structures, and physical movement. Her books frequently feature strong themes of physical health, resilience, and realistic family struggles. While Ten Thousand Tries and The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair address heavy subjects like brain injury and ALS, they are tempered with humor, hope, and strong community support, making them accessible and uplifting for middle-grade readers.