About
Anica Mrose Rissi is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books for kids and teens, including picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA. Her essays have been published by The Writer and the New York Times, and she plays fiddle in and writes lyrics for the band Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves. Anica grew up in Maine and spent many years in New York City, where she worked as an executive editor in children’s book publishing. She lives in central New Jersey with her very good dog, Sweet Potato.
Anica enjoys speaking with kids and adults across the country about all stages of the writing process, from ideas and drafting to revisions and beyond. She teaches in the Writing for Children & Young Adults low-residency MFA program at Vermont College of Fine Arts and is available for in-person and virtual writing workshops and presentations for groups of all sizes and ages.
Featured Work
Wishing Season
Lily doesn’t believe in making wishes. Not anymore. Not since Anders died.
Wishes can’t fix the terrible thing that happened. Wishing won’t change how it feels.
But Lily does believe in the impossible. She has a secret so extraordinary, so magical, no one would believe that it’s true.
No one except Anders, of course.
Nothing about this summer is turning out how Lily would have wished. But wishes, like seasons, can change.
★ “A droll, well-paced, and deeply moving book about loss and friendship.” —Kirkus, starred review
★ “This achingly sad but also hopeful story set on a small Maine island poses questions about the power of our connections—to other people, to animals, and to the world around and beyond.” —Horn Book, starred review
★ “Rissi builds an empathetic voice that cradles Lily’s grieving process and experience of change.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Beautifully written….a must-purchase for any library.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“Stack Wishing Season next to Bridge to Terabithia. Anica Mrose Rissi paints a picture and sings a song with a tremendous, unforgettable voice. As emotionally healing as it is ultimately joyful.” —Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor author of One Crazy Summer
“Beautiful and moving, this book will make you cry. But it will also mend your heart. A story that reminds us that love will help see us through, even in the darkest of times.” —Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor author of Other Words for Home
For ages 8 and up
Other Works
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Hide and Don't Seek: And Other Very Scary Stories
2021
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Nobody Knows But You
2020
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Love, Sophia on the Moon
2020
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Watch Out for Wolf!
2019
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Anna, Banana, and the Magic Show Mix Up
2019
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Always Forever Maybe
2018
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Anna, Banana, and the Recipe for Disaster
2018
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Anna, Banana, and the Sleepover Secret
2018
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The Teacher's Pet
2017
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Anna, Banana, and the Little Lost Kitten
2017
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Anna, Banana, and the Puppy Parade
2016
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Anna, Banana, and the Friendship Split
2015
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Anna, Banana, and the Monkey in the Middle
2015
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Anna, Banana, and the Big Mouth Bet
2015
Awards and Recognition
- 2021 Maine Literary Award
- 2021 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
- YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
- Texas Library Association's Tayshas Reading List
- Texas Library Association's 2x2 Reading List
- Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
- Multiple starred reviews and foreign translations