"While a wealth of children's books set during World War II focus on the Holocaust, Schröder brings some of Germany's other young victims to light in her exceptional debut novel... Based on the author's grandfather's experiences, this poignant look at the effects of war and propaganda, especially on children, resonates with candor and eloquence."

"Told in free verse that lends authenticity to the narrator’s teen voice, this novel chronicles the momentous nine-month journey that Sahara enters, starting with the shocking results of her home pregnancy test and ending after the delivery of her child. The discomforts of pregnancy and the anguish of being seventeen and on the verge of adult life are presented with humor and honesty, making Sahara leap off the page and become a girl who could be found in any school, anywhere in modern America. Although some readers might disagree with Sahara’s ultimate choice, the novel is a realistic and compelling read for any teen."

"Strongly drawn characters—Zoé, Henry and the people in their small town—come alive on the pages of this debut novel. There are resonances and echoes of the children's books important to Zoé—The Secret Garden, Because of Winn-Dixie, The Golden Compass and, a story integral to this tale, The Boy Who Drew Cats. A tribute to the power of story, this is ultimately a tale of hope and redemption. Zoé Royster, peer to the literary heroines she so loves, is as memorable in her own way as the Great Gilly Hopkins, Opal Buloni and Anne Shirley."

"Herrick produces a hauntingly beautiful, murder mystery. ... [A] novel that is difficult to put down. This young adult novel will most certainly find its way into the hands of both teenagers and adults alike."

"The writing shines in its quiet observation of human interaction... [F]ans of brooding and thoughtful accounts of human dynamics may find interest here."

“Written in cadenced prose poetry, the realistic, chilling story unfolds slowly through...alternating first-person, present-tense voices. ... Herrick's adroit use of multiple perspectives allows readers to understand the motivations of each character in what proves to be a taut and tender tale of courage and revenge.”

"[T]his entertaining Norwegian import and follow-up to Markus and Diana (2006)...aptly conveys the typical angst of young teenage boys and leaves readers cheering for Markus and the next girl of his dreams."

“McGuigan’s writing is spare and low-key, and her metaphors are acute: ‘When you’re not wanted somewhere,’ she writes, ‘the feeling fills the place like a smell.’ History buffs will appreciate the visceral reminder of how much Kennedy’s beliefs meant to the black community, and how devastating was his death.”

“Hemphill’s convincing vernacular narration and well-researched, hard-bitten details of life in the South and on the western range give this adventure story surprising depth. The fast-paced plot, punctuated by Prometheus’s astonishing wins and losses, will lasso readers’ interest.”

“Cheng has crafted a cast of characters and palpable setting that are vivid and compelling, and she offers a glimpse into history that many children will find easy to relate to and powerfully affecting.”

"...true to the teen’s voice, the gripping narrative, written in very short lines of free verse with occasional rhyme, makes for a roller-coaster read."

"Blabey's spirited and energetic paintings use acrylic and mixed media on textured board. Compositions vary boldly and deadpan humor runs throughout. Make sure to note Charlie's wonderfully expressive eyebrows; they, like this book, stand out."

"Jude’s inner turmoil will resonate with readers, and the wise philosophy of living a life in the midst of loss and oppression, offered by an elderly friend, is worth the price of admission."

“Using a by-now-familiar format of free-verse poetry that alternates among the voices of various students and a more collective class voice, Herrick manages to capture the sweet earnestness and unassuming wit of sixth-graders as they experiment with their identities, experience the agony and ecstasy of first like-like, and test the limits of their hip vegetarian teacher's sense of humor."

"This is a very special, unique book...I'm bowled over by the descriptions of animals - so beautiful and precise and yet available to any reader, not esoteric.. any kid who reads this book will have her eyes opened to nature in a brand new way."