Accolades: “I Killed Zoe Spanos”

Posted on April 9, 2021 by M. Allen

Barnes & Noble YA Book Club Pick July 2020
A People magazine Best Books Summer 2020 selection
A Parade magazine Best Summer Books 2020 selection
A Popsugar Top 25 Best YA Murder Mysteries of All ime selection
A Buzzfeed, United by Pop, and Suspense Magazine Best YA Book of 2020
An Amazon Best Books of July 2020 Editor’s Pick
An Amazon Teacher’s Pick and Amazon Best Books of July 2020 Editor’s Pick
A YALSA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults 2021 selection
A BookPage Most Anticipated YA Book of Summer 2020
A School Library Journal Summer Series 2020 Best Reads Selection
BCCB, starred review

Accolades: “The Downstairs Girl”

Posted on April 8, 2021 by M. Allen

A Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Year
YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults List
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Crystal Kite Award Winner
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
A BookPage Best Book of the Year
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Booklist, starred review
Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
School Library Journal, starred review

Accolades: “Burn”

Posted on April 7, 2021 by M. Allen

Booklist, starred review
Publishers Weekly, starred review
School Library Journal, starred review
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review

Accolades: “Genesis Begins Again”

Posted on April 6, 2021 by M. Allen

Kirkus, starred review
Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
2020 Newbery Honor Book
2020 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award for New Talent
2020 William C. Morris Prize Finalist
2019 Kirkus Prize Finalist
2021 Audie Award Finalist For Best Middle Grade Audio Book
NPR Favorite book of 2019
A School Libary Journal Best Middle Grade Book of 2019
A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2019
ILA Teachers’ Choices
CBC/NCSS Notable Children’s Book in Social Studies
Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award Nominee
Maine Student Book Award Reading List
Georgia Children’s Book Award Finalist
Just One More Page Recommendation List
Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Top Pick
NYPL Best Books for Kids (Top Ten)
South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee
Rhode Island Middle School Book Award Nominee
Rebecca Caudill Nominee

5 Reasons to Read “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei

Posted on April 5, 2021 by M. Allen

1) They Called Us Enemy is a necessary testament to racism.
2) It humanizes a brutal chapter in U.S. history.
3) The story works extremely well as a graphic novel.
4) The novel is clearly and concisely written.
5) Takei draws a parallel between the indignities he and his family suffered and the current Immigration detention scenario in the United Sates.

5 Reasons to Read “I Killed Zoe Spanos” by Kit Frick

Posted on April 2, 2021 by M. Allen

1) This novel is a cleverly plotted thriller.
2) Definitely a page-turner.
3) Strong heroines.
4) Plenty of tension and suspense.
5) There’s lots of angst, drama, mysterious estates, mysterious neighbours, undercurrents, and more.

5 Reasons to Read “The Downstairs Girl” by Stacey Lee

Posted on April 1, 2021 by M. Allen

1) Miss Sweetie. You will adore Miss Sweetie.
2) Lots of historical detail. For example, an abandoned abolitionists’ hideaway serves as Jo’s home.
3) This is a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the meaning of family.
4) A gorgeous, entertaining tale.
5) This is a book that celebrates the strengths and talents of marginalized people.

5 Reasons to Read “Burn” by Patrick Ness

Posted on March 31, 2021 by M. Allen

1) Ness’ writing is impeccable as always.
2) Alternate universes. Need I say more?
3) Dragons!! Dragons exist in all their fire-breathing glory.
4) The blend of the Cold War and fantasy is brilliant.
5) An assassin from a Believer Cell is one of the many interesting characters.

5 Reasons to Read “Genesis Begins Again” by Alicia D. Williams

Posted on March 30, 2021 by M. Allen

1) Smooth and engrossing prose.
2) Genesis is an emotional, hopeful, adolescent journey.
3) This novel provides a much-needed examination of our cultural standards of beauty and what damage those standards can do to the self-esteem and dignity of young people.
4) Genesis is a strong, beautiful character.
5) Genesis deals with numerous issues that youth face on a daily basis.

George Takei on “They Called Us Enemy”

Posted on March 12, 2021 by M. Allen

Teen Reader's Choice Award

Category Archives: Authors