BY THE TIME YOU
READ THIS, I’LL BE DEAD (Hyperion ~ DBG, 2010)
ISBN: 978-142311618-9
|
|
“Any teen fortunate enough not to relate to
the subject matter should read this book, which turns the old adage, ‘sticks
and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me,’ on its ear.
Powerfully portrayed in the first person, the protagonist’s account offers
compelling insight into just how spiritually and emotionally devastating
bullying can be. … Anyone who has been the victim of this type of abuse will
not only readily embrace its contents, but also potentially learn from it.” (Highlighted) Voice
of Youth Advocates
“Peters’s
spare, terse writing perfectly echoes her protagonist’s state of mind…
Throughout the novel, Peters trusts readers to recognize Daelyn as an
emotionally damaged, single-mindedly unreliable narrator. The authenticity
afforded by the author’s unwavering commitment to her main character’s often
distorted perspective elevates the story above its morbidly titillating
will-she-or-won’t-she element.” The Horn
Book
“When I met the author,
Julie Anne Peters, we chatted about how controversial the context was so jumped
on reading the book. The topic is suicide and how the effect of “bullying”
often pushes young adults to their end. Peters is cautious in telling her story
of Daelyn, a girl who has been attempting suicide since she was ten years old…
While planning her end, Daelyn meets Santana, a boy who unexpectedly befriends
her. Daelyn resists all feelings for Santana, but he is charming and
persistent… It is easy to understand why By
the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead is about such a questionable subject.
Society wants its contenders to “think happy and stay positive,” eliminating
the negative. But the negative is real. Life hurts when a young adult is
maturing. This topic is necessary in conjunction with today’s youth. Suicide is
the 3rd leading cause of death among young adults age 15-24. With
books like this one and others by author Ellen Hopkins, people of all ages can
better understand the changes and struggles that face today’s youth.” Library Thing
“Julie Anne Peters has written some marvelous books (my favorite is Keeping You a Secret) and By the Time You Read This, I’ll be Dead is one of them. It is the powerful story of what will drive a teenager to suicide. Daelyn is an unforgettable character, one who you will love. Her parents are ignorant about her life and confused about how to deal with her. (What parent isn’t clueless about their kids’ lives?) But love, sometimes, just isn’t enough. As Daelyn purges herself over her 23 remaining days, her story comes out, heart wrenching. Santana’s story, is equally heart wrenching, but Peters effectively juxtaposes Santana’s unwavering desire to live with Daelyn’s desire to die. What Laurie Halse Anderson did regarding eating disorders in Wintergirls, Julie Anne Peters has just done with suicide in By the Time You Read This, I’ll be Dead and that is write a revealing, realistic, absorbing story that is a must read.” ~Ed Goldberg, Young Adult (& Kids) Books Central Blog
“Mysterious and touching. Those two words are one of the best
ways to sum up By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead. Daelyn is a very
unique character and within the first page you start to feel sorry for her. You
don’t want her to kill herself, you just want to see her happy. Seeing inside
her head is a different story, it’s dark and scary at times. Even though it
helps you understand why she wants to end her life, it doesn’t really make it
more acceptable. I could relate to this book in a lot of ways, I saw myself in
Daelyn like I’m sure a lot of people did. This book is not just for teen
audiences, even though that’s where it will get its strength. I took this book
with me on a church trip and within an hour, one of my adult leaders had
already gotten half way through this book. It’s hard to put down By the Time You
Read This, I’ll Be Dead; you actually don’t want to put it down at
all. Daelyn’s story and struggle is just intoxicating.” ~Lexi
(: anotherpageisused...: By The Time You Read This, I'll Be
Dead by Julie Anne Peters
RAGE: A LOVE
STORY (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2009)
ISBN: 978-0-375-85209-1
|
|
Reviews
“Love hurts. Dependable
Johanna is drawn to mercurial Reeve, whose anger-management issues stem from
her abusive home life. To express herself, Reeve hits. Johanna is thrilled just
to be near Reeve in all her temperamental glory, even if it means alienating
her best friend in the process. Reeve eventually turns her fists on Johanna,
who remains loyal, lying and cheating to protect Reeve and her brother… Any
reader who’s ever had a crush, however, will understand Johanna’s
head-over-heels feelings for Reeve. The subjects of sexuality, abuse and loss
are difficult, but the author knows exactly how to move teen characters through
them and toward a hopeful ending. The look at dating violence in same-sex
relationships makes this book one that meets a need.” Kirkus
Reviews
“Peters approaches the
difficult subject matter [of dating abuse] with nuance and insight, and her
charismatic but flawed protagonists (Johanna with her savior complex; Reeve, a
product of abuse whose moments of manipulation and rage are balanced with
others of self-awareness and compassion) carry the story, allowing it to
develop naturally and believably… Peters has always steered clear of making her
gay characters model minorities; here, allowing Johanna’s and Reeve’s
personalities a wealth of contradiction and complexity, she creates a deeply
human story of abuse and redemption.” The Horn
Book
“Julie Anne Peters’ writing in Rage: A Love Story, true to form, has
produced an engrossing look at [the main character] Johanna’s dreams and her
reality. All the characters are real; characters that readers will relate to,
care about, sympathize with, and like or dislike intensely. As with many books
on this topic, readers will want to figuratively bang Johanna’s head against
the wall (Reeve does it literally) and tell her to wake up and smell the roses.
While the conclusion is bittersweet, it is a viable ending that readers will
accept. Fans of Julie Anne Peters will devour Rage and non-fans will become fans after reading the book.” ~Ed
Goldberg, Young Adult (& Kids) Books
“Readers who know Peters’ books will
certainly gravitate to this one as well. They trust her to tell the difficult
truths; and she delivers just that in this novel.” Voice of Youth Advocates
GRL2GRL: SHORT
FICTIONS (Little, Brown and Co., 2007)
ISBN-10: 0-316-01343-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-01343-7
|
|
Reviews
“The author of the novels Keeping You a Secret (2003) and Luna (2004) shows she’s an even better
short story writer. Continuing with her themes of coming out and the
experiences of young lesbians, the 10 stories here present different but
equally polished facets of varied experience and emotion… Accessible and
credible, the stories belong in teen collections not only because of their
sympathetic yet clear-eyed depictions of minority sexual orientation but also
for their exemplary crafting.” Booklist
“The short stories in this
collection give voice to ten expressions of lesbian and transgender teen
experience… Peters skillfully varies the subject matter and tone from piece to
piece… Whether readers are looking for reflections of the other or reflections
of themselves, grl2grl presents
plenty of opportunities to find both.” The Horn Book Magazine
“For straight teens, this collection will be
a haunting revelation and a chance to feel someone else's experience; for gay
teens, these tenderly written stories will provide an emotional lifeline of
acceptance.”
Voice
of Youth Advocates
“Regardless of the intensity of the struggles,
girls of any sexual orientation will feel quickly drawn into the lives glimpsed
here… teens searching for a fast read, especially in an underserved subject,
will be gratified to find this collection.” Publishers Weekly
“The dearth of titles of lesbian interest
gets a respite… In grl2grl,
Peters' stories depict teens and young women grappling with problems
refreshingly unrelated to parents or to coming out… In all, readers have 10
opportunities to revel in the very different stories Peters has created.
Presumably, many of them are based in fact, because she thanks the people who
have shared their stories with her.” Ken Furtado, Echo Magazine
Reviews from Young
Readers
BETWEEN MOM AND
JO (Little, Brown and Co., 2006)
ISBN 0-316-73906-5
|
|
Reviews
“Nicholas Nathaniel Thomas Tyler has four first
names and two mothers. As the only child in his class with gay parents, he
endures the taunts and prejudices of classmates and adults over the years as
best he can, drawing reassurance and strength from his parents… This novel is a
timely exploration of the struggles faced by same-sex couples and their
children, and while the issues are significant, the story is never overwhelmed
by them… This coming-of-age novel powerfully portrays the universal pain of a
family breakup.” (Starred) School Library Journal
“Peters
again works her writing magic in this perfectly structured and exquisitely
written novel… A child in a family facing divorce hurts-no matter what genders
comprise the parent couple. Because of this family makeup, many librarians will
self-censor the book, doing what Nick's elementary teacher did with his
drawings. But the novel needs to be read. Doing so takes one step toward
helping this kind of family feel less invisible; doing so represents one step
closer to recognizing and supporting their very real existence.” Voice of Youth Advocates
“Nick’s voice is so real that readers,
no matter their home situation, will readily identify. A powerful, moving
examination of the relationships we forge within the family we are given.” The
Horn Book Magazine
“Nick's need for
Jo is palpable, despite-or because of-their gruff, unorthodox, rough-and-tumble
love. An un-romanticized look at divorce and parent-child relationships, as
well as an addition to the tiny canon about gay parents.” Kirkus
Reviews
“This is a smart, well-written book for
teens as well as adults that will instill empathy and compassion, as well as
stir emotions—perhaps even bring tears to readers’ eyes, as it did mine.” Jennifer Miller, Rocky
Mountain News
Read Reviews from Passionate Young Readers
FAR FROM XANADU (Little, Brown
and Co., 2005)
ISBN 0-316-15881-X (HC) : ISBN 0-316-15971-9 (PB)
|
|
Reviews
“Presenting
credible characters in tragic situations, Peters keeps readers turning pages –
and reaching for tissues – late into the night. Better still, she leaves
readers with a greater faith in humanity, family ties, and the power of
community.” Voice of Youth Advocates
“Excellent
characterizations make this piece shine. Mike’s a gritty and absorbing mix of
pain and strength; Peters’s other characters are also
realistically complex…a memorable portrait of this girl and the small town she
calls home.” Kirkus Reviews
“Readers will root for Mike in this heartfelt
coming-of-age story.” School Library Journal
“The author creates a vivid backdrop in rural Coalton, and it’s refreshing that residents accept and even
embrace Mike… Ultimately, readers will root for Mike and will come to
understand her pain and need for love.” Publishers Weekly
"Peters
has established herself not just as a successful gay author who writes
responsible and compelling books for young adults but also as a flat-out good
writer, regardless of her topics.” (4 stars) Romantic Times
"Far from Xanadu
is a witty and sensitive portrayal of a gay teen that cuts through all the
differences between us to the single life experience that unites us — first
love.” Peggy Tibbetts, www.BookIdeas.com
Reviews from
Thoughtful Young Readers
LUNA (Little, Brown
and Co., 2004)
ISBN 0-316-73369-5 (HC) : ISBN 0-316—1127-4 (PB)
|
|
Reviews
"Groundbreaking,
finely tuned realism about a transsexual teen. Peters writes her characters
with care and complexity. The first of its kind — well done and essential for
every library serving young adults.” (Starred)
Kirkus Reviews
"This
novel breaks new ground in YA literature with a sensitive and poignant
portrayal of a young man’s determination to live his true identity and his
family’s struggle to accept Luna for who she really is.” School Library
Journal
"Although
the book is about Liam’s struggle with being transgendered, it is really
Regan’s story. If one removed that entire theme, there would still be a great
novel about teenage life, showing the real strength of the writing and the
characters. Peters handles the issue with grace, sympathy, and a huge dose of
reality. This does not scream, “Controversial topic!” Instead it brings up a
sensitive issue and shows it in such a realistic light that the reader will
come away having learned something, and one might hope, with a sympathetic
attitude toward people dealing with gender issues.” Voice
of Youth Advocates
"Peters’
sensitive treatment of the struggles of the transgendered and those who love
them allows readers to see another aspect of the difficult adolescent journey
toward identity and the influence of societal pressure. Peters writes with
great empathy and provides her readers with carefully chosen information about transsexuality and the quest to become whole.” KLIATT
"This
novel breaks new ground in YA literature with a sensitive and poignant
portrayal of a young man’s determination to live his true identity and his
family’s struggle to accept Luna for who she really is.” School Library
Journal
"Honest,
heartbreaking, amazing. LUNA makes us ask ourselves,' What does it take
to live an authentic life? What sacrifices will that entail?' To this
mesmerizing drama, Julie Anne Peters brings humor, intensity, and an
overwhelming sense of love and redemption. Required reading for anyone
interested in living a more compassionate life." Jennifer Finney Boylan, author of She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders
“The book is a brilliant exposition of the
conflict, exaltation and terror involved in ‘coming out’ and I recommend it
unreservedly.” Katherine Cummings, author of Katherine’s Diary: The Story of
a Transsexual, winner of the Australian Human Rights Award for Non Fiction
Reviews from Outstanding Teen Readers and Writers
KEEPING YOU A
SECRET (Little, Brown and Co., 2003)
ISBN 0-316-70275-7 (HC) : ISBN 0-316-00985-7 (PB)
|
|
Reviews
"Not just a gay love story, this
book transcends barriers, allowing readers of all persuasions to revel in its
universal truths about self-knowledge, acceptance, pride, and the hardships of
wrestling with the perceptions and comfort of others...” Voice of Youth Advocates
"...everyday
reality for
"...
"A
lovingly written first-person account of coming out in high school…a teenage
lesbian love story where the main character doesn’t commit suicide is a major
step forward.” The
"Keeping You a Secret will give you an
updated look at the pressures, emotions and fears that today’s teenagers face
while trying to make sense of their own identities. The love story is a joyful
one, though marked by pain inflicted by the outside world… the main characters
are appropriately complex and convincing, and even the most likable do some
unlikable things. A lesbian love story, a self-discovery narrative and a tale
of two struggles.” Lambda Book Report
Letters and Stories
from Wonderful Readers
DEFINE
"
ISBN 0-316-70631-0 (HC)
: ISBN 0-316-73489-6 (PB)
|
|
"Peters
mingles humor and pathos in a novel about two girls on opposite ends of the
emotional and financial spectrum. The girls provide neat foils for one another,
and Peters gives them depth and dimensionality. The narrative is similarly
well-constructed and readers will be surprised by an unanticipated but
plausible revelation near the end. Along the way, the book's radiance comes
from the lovable humanity of the nimbly nuanced characters." Kirkus Reviews
"Peters has
a gift for adding some original flavor to solid school-and-friends dramas, and
this gives the different-as-day-and-night friendship story heart that readers
from both sides of the equation will appreciate." (Recommended) The Bulletin of
the Center for Children's Books
"...girls
will enjoy the appealing main characters in this after-school-special-style
friendship story. A quick, enjoyable read that will also attract reluctant
readers. Booklist
"This
believable book is well written and readers will feel that they know both Jazz
and Antonia, and they will want to see them triumph over the frustrations in
their lives. School Library Journal
"Peters
develops clear themes here—look beneath the surface for the real person,
appearances may not reflect reality, and everyone has difficulties… The ending
is a hopeful one in which the young women learn to accept and help each other.
Readers who are looking for believable characters and a good story about
friendship, being different, and growing wiser will appreciate Define "
A SNITCH IN THE SNOB SQUAD (Little, Brown
and Co., 2001)
ISBN 0-316-70287-0
"This
third installment in the Snob Squad adventures lives up to its
predecessors...by again blending humor with depth... By the close, everyone has
learned that perfection is unattainable, but forgiveness, trust, and loyalty
are the foundation of friendship and family. Eminently readable, it's a story
strong in plot and memorable characters while offering some powerful insights
on sustaining solid relationships." Kirkus
Reviews
"Here the Snob Squad girls are not
only unpopular but also sometimes unlovable, and that's what gives the story
depth. Readers will enjoy the entertaining mystery about the theft and the
cover-up and appreciate the honesty as Jenny wrestles with issues of
friendship, guilt, and loyalty... There's nothing comfortable about this story,
except perhaps the power of forgiveness." Booklist
"Middle level girls who enjoy Peters's work will want to continue reading the adventures
of the four misfits. Jen, the narrator, is as caustic as ever as she views life
from the fat side. Issues that are important to young people this age are dealt
with realistically, and although there is not a true happy ending, readers see
the girls continuing to change and grow together as friends and
supporters." Voice of Youth Advocates
ROMANCE OF THE SNOB SQUAD (Little, Brown
and Co., 1999)
ISBN 0-316-70627-2 (HC) : ISBN 0-14-131015-4 (PB)
"With
laughter and tenderness, this sequel to Revenge of the Snob Squad
continues the story of the four sixth-grade misfit girls who become friends.
There is mayhem in the science lab, though some of the best scenes are with
Jenny's dysfunctional family, whose mealtime resembles a silent battlefield.
Even the message is funny: in a wonderful scene, Jenny rages at herself in the
mirror about taking responsibility for her own problem and asking for help.
Many middle-graders will recognize the dreams of glamour and the painful farce
at home and school." Booklist
"The characters, already
solidly realized previously, are even better developed this time around, while
the sweetly awkward first-time alliances with members of the opposite sex are
nicely done. A well-paced novel with many funny moments." Kirkus Reviews
"Jenny's snappy asides range
from hysterically funny to sadly self-deprecating as she struggles with her
weight and her dysfunctional family." The Horn Book Magazine
REVENGE OF THE SNOB SQUAD (Little, Brown
and Co., 1998)
ISBN 0-316-70603-5 (HC) : ISBN 0-14-130818-4 (PB)
|
|
"Jenny
provides a glib, fast-paced first-person narration, which is peppered with
verbal repartee and humorous asides about her classmates. Peters's
writing is smooth and funny page to page, which makes this an enjoyable read. A
great jacket painting of the four girls will have this jumping off the
shelves." Kirkus Reviews
"Readers
will chuckle as they read each new episode, such as 'Operation Green Hair.'
This amusing light read is sure to be popular with fans of the Babysitters Club and with readers who have
outgrown Ellen Conford's Jenny Archer. It deals
realistically with problems that many youngsters face and may even allow them
to laugh at themselves in the process." School Library Journal
". . . this is not a cheerful
friendship romp but a dark laugh-out-loud comedy about four middle-school
outcasts who form the Snob Squad to get back at the bullies who humiliate them.
Peters has written a moving story with laughter that doesn't make the sadness
go away but makes it almost bearable." Booklist
".
. . full of gleeful sass and backtalk that young readers will enjoy. The
story's style of goofy exaggeration, reminiscent of Gordon Korman,
isn't usually seen in school stories about middle-schoolers
of the female persuasion, and girls looking for some literary popcorn may
relish having a tub just for them." Bulletin of the Center for
Children's Books
HOW
DO YOU SPELL G-E-E-K? (Little, Brown and Co., 1996)
ISBN 0-316-70266-8 (HC) : ISBN 0-380-73053-7 (PB)
|
|
"This
is a funny, wonderfully written tale about friendship and competition, with
secondary messages about parents and families dealing with divorce." Booklist
"A
thoughtful, wry, and very funny look at friendship and fitting in." Kirkus Reviews
"Peters skillfully interweaves
the competition with a story of friendship and shifting alliances. Believable
dialogue testifies to the casual cruelty and stumbling kindnesses of middle-schoolers, as well as their saving humor." Publishers
Weekly
"Peters presents a believable
story of the competitions, shifting allegiances, and fragile feelings endemic
to adolescence." The Horn Book Magazine
"A
clever title, snappy dialogue, and common middle-school problems make this an
appealing read." School Library Journal
". . . well-paced and
energetic. The characters are nicely individuated . . . a satisfying entry on
the perennially popular topic of not-so-perennial popularity." (Recommended) The Bulletin of the Center for
Children's Books
". . . a marvelous find.
Besides being a fantastic portrayal of strong female characters, How Do You
Spell G-E-E-K? is also an extremely enjoyable read. The story is engrossing
and funny and at times poignant. I highly recommend it for elementary and
middle school children." The American Reporter
Privacy Statement
In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
no personal information on visitors is collected or shared.
Web site Copyright © 2000-2010 by Julie Anne
Peters
All Rights Reserved