Exciting news: The Disaster Days is now available across platforms as an audiobook, from Tantor Audio!
I love how actress and voiceover artist Jennifer Sun Bell has told Hannah’s story–and I hope listeners will, too.
This is the very first audio edition I’ve gotten for one of my books, so I’m eagerly checking that off my author bucket list!
I’m excited to share that the Children’s Book Award Committee of the Wisconsin Library Association’s Youth Services Section selected ten outstanding children’s and young adult books for 2021, and Alone in the Woods was one!
You can read more about the awards and the other wonderful books being honored here.
The Disaster Days releases in trade paperback today!
Now all five of my books are available in that format–my personal favorite to read, because it’s perfect to stash in a beach/pool bag, a backpack, or hold onto while you’re standing on the subway. (I’ll never forget the time I tried to read Anna Karenina in hardcover on my commute . . .) read more…
Here’s a roundup of some more news and reviews for Alone in the Woods!
The book received great reviews from BCCB and the Midwest Book Review:
Behrens plays fair with both the friendship drama and the survival story, and each protagonist’s voice is astute and true to her own perspective. . . . In the northwoods or the school hallway, most readers will feel they’ve been there.”
—Elizabeth Bush, BCCB, Recommended
A deftly crafted, suspense laden, inherently entertaining, and thoroughly ‘kid friendly’ novel by an author with a remarkable talent for the kind of narrative driven storytelling skills that will keep a young reader’s riveted attention from beginning to cliffhanger ending. . . . [A]n extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to elementary school, middle school, and community library . . . collections.”
—Midwest Book Review read more…
I really love the book blog Pop! Goes the Reader. It’s beautifully designed and illustrated, and Jen’s coverage of MG/YA books is so inclusive, thoughtful, and creative. So I was thrilled to partner with her to discuss Alone in the Woods. Check out our conversation to learn more about the inspiration behind the book, including my love for Wisconsin wildlife, and how my personal experiences with a fractured friendship helped me write this story–along with my advice for any readers going through something similar.
And earlier this fall, Jen compiled a fantastic list of 25 MG and YA survival stories to give young readers hope. If you enjoyed Alone in the Woods and The Disaster Days, check out the list to find other adventurous books!
For each book I’ve released, I’ve spent time in my home state of Wisconsin, visiting schools and talking with young readers. And during every single Q&A, the same question has come up: Have you written any stories set in Wisconsin?
It took me years, and four other books, to find the right story, but now I can finally answer: Yes!
I was thrilled to read Booklist's review of Alone in the Woods--especially because they highlighted the "moments of peril and bodily danger," but felt that "but the most tender wounds here are the emotional ones nursed by the two girls." That's exactly what I was going for! It's really special to read a review that "gets" what you were going for as the author. 🙂
Trade reviews for Alone in the Woods have started rolling in, and I’m excited to share what these critics from Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal have to say about the girls’ Northwoods adventure:
I got a fun surprise in the mail the other day–a big box of books. Not just any books, though–advance reader copies of Alone in the Woods!
Of course I had to take them out to the park for a proper photo:
I’m thrilled to share that The Disaster Days is an official 2020 ILA Teachers’ Choices Selection. From ILA’s website:
Our Choices reading lists, shaped by thousands of students and educators across the United States, serve as a valuable resource—particularly in these times of remote and virtual learning. They bridge the distance by connecting us with stories that kids, teens, and teachers find inspiring, comforting, and empowering. . . . Teachers’ Choices identifies approximately 30 books rated by teachers, librarians, and reading specialists as outstanding for curriculum use.
I’m honored! You can view the whole list here. Also, the release of the Choices lists coincides with Children’s Book Week–an annual celebration of reading with tons of fun resources for kids, families, and educators. Check it out!
Need something new to listen to?
I researched and wrote the script for this Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls podcast about Hedy Lamarr. Maybe you know of her as a famously talented and beautiful actress–but did you know she was an inventor whose frequency-hopping technology allows us to send secure texts and emails today? Hedy’s even known as the “Mother of Wifi”!
Listen and learn all about Hedy’s incredible life and legacy. The podcast is read by the acclaimed actress Tatiana Maslany(!) and the whole series is entertaining and inspiring. I’m excited to be part of it!
I’m really excited to share that The Disaster Days was selected by Bank Street College of Education as one of its “best books” of 2020. From Bank Street’s website:
[The 2020] edition includes more than 600 titles chosen by the Children’s Book Committee as the best of the best published in 2019. In choosing books for the annual list, reviewers consider literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the books on young readers. Other criteria include credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, positive treatment of ethnic and religious differences, and the absence of stereotypes. Each book accepted for the list is read and reviewed by at least two committee members and then discussed by the committee as a whole.
Awesome! You can view the whole list here and grow your reading list 🙂
