This Is What Happy Looks Like

About this book

For fans of John Green. A winning combination of humour, heartbreak and romance make this a must read. If fate sent you an email, would you answer? It's June - seventeen-year-old Ellie O'Neill's least favourite time of year. Her tiny hometown is annually invaded by tourists, and this year there's the added inconvenience of a film crew. Even the arrival of Hollywood heartthrob Graham Larkin can't lift her mood. But there is something making Ellie very happy. Ever since an email was accidentally sent to her a few months ago, she's been corresponding with a mysterious stranger, the two of them sharing their hopes and fears. Their developing relationship is not without its secrets though - there's the truth about Ellie's past... and her pen pal's real identity. When they finally meet in person

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Why widely assigned

This Children's title, typically at grades 9–12. Written in the 2010s; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Young Reader's Choice Award (PNLA)

  • recommended·9th gradesource: Pacific Northwest Library Association — Young Reader's Choice Award winners (1940-2022), via Wikipedia — 2016 Winner
  • recommended·10th gradesource: Pacific Northwest Library Association — Young Reader's Choice Award winners (1940-2022), via Wikipedia — 2016 Winner
  • recommended·11th gradesource: Pacific Northwest Library Association — Young Reader's Choice Award winners (1940-2022), via Wikipedia — 2016 Winner
  • recommended·12th gradesource: Pacific Northwest Library Association — Young Reader's Choice Award winners (1940-2022), via Wikipedia — 2016 Winner

Common questions

What grade level is This Is What Happy Looks Like?

This Is What Happy Looks Like is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 9–12. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

How long does it take to read This Is What Happy Looks Like?

It takes about 7h 40m to read This Is What Happy Looks Like (416 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 460 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign This Is What Happy Looks Like?

This Is What Happy Looks Like appears on reading lists for Young Reader's Choice Award (PNLA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is This Is What Happy Looks Like banned in schools?

This Is What Happy Looks Like does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.