About
I'm a hybrid author of critically acclaimed books for readers of all ages. My work has received starred reviews in Booklist and Publishers Weekly, has won silver and gold medals in ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year and the IPPY Awards, respectively, has been featured on Booklist’s Best First Novels for Youth and School Library Journal’s What’s Hot in YA, and has been a PW Pick of the Week.
The subjects of my books run the gamut—everything from a satirical look at modern romantic relationships (Fifth Avenue Fidos) to a more serious, even at times steamy exploration of first love (the Playing Hurt series). I’ve tackled harder-hitting topics as well: children of low-income families (The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky) as well as mental illness (A Blue So Dark) and recovering from violence (Feral). Creativity and art are also constant sources of inspiration (A Blue So Dark, The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky).
Featured Work
Spark
In my hometown, the restoration of a former movie theater on the town square provided the genesis for my new YA novel, Spark. Who among us hasn’t dreamed of seeing their name in blazing neon across a gigantic marquee? Let me invite you to dim the lights and draw back the velvet curtains—let your imagination run wild as you enter my fictional Avery Theater, where literally anything goes… (Forthcoming from HarperCollins - 2016)
