“Packed with Zarr’s sharp-eyed, honest observations of human nature, GEM & DIXIE gives us two sisters crushed by the failures of their parents, and asks how bad things need to get before you have to make a change. A road-trip like you’ve never been on before.” — Laura Ruby, author of National Book Award finalist and Michael L. Printz Award winner BONE GAP
“This may be the most powerful sibling story I’ve ever read. Gem and Dixie’s road trip is heartbreaking and honest and beautifully rendered by one of my all-time favorite writers. This is Sara Zarr at her absolute best.” — Matt de la Peña, Newbery Medal winning author of WE WERE HERE
“Gem & Dixie is a beautiful, poignant, and ultimately hopeful story from one of the finest YA authors writing today. An exploration of the complicated love and loyalty between sisters that is at once profoundly moving and unflinchingly real.” — Nova Ren Suma, New York Times bestselling author of THE WALLS AROUND US
“A story that broke my heart and put it back together again. You won’t want to let Gem and Dixie go.” — Sarah Dessen, New York Times-bestselling author of SAINT ANYTHING
★ “With a vivid, well-rounded cast of characters, including the adults, and a poignant portrayal of family dynamics, Zarr’s frank, resonant story is both bittersweet and triumphant.” — Booklist (starred review)
★ “Zarr movingly explores the effects of neglect on two vulnerable girls relearning how to trust. Readers’ hearts will ache for Gem, who so desperately wants to follow a different path than her parents, as she tries to carve out a better life for herself and her sister.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“The forthcoming release from National Book Award finalist Zarr should count as more than one book for teens who’ve not yet read her, because after finishing this one, they’ll surely dig into her back catalog (including the stellar Story of a Girl).” — Brightly
“Zarr adeptly brings to life a protagonist grappling with anger, loneliness, and rejection. The siblings’ relationship is authentically nuanced. A thoughtful work that will resonate with Zarr’s many fans and those who appreciate contemplative, character-driven novels.” — School Library Journal
“Gem’s prickly, agonizingly real internal monologues quickly bring readers into her corner, and her messy, layered interactions with Dixie are heart-wrenching. As the unpredictable turns of events progress, Gem’s quietly growing convictions about her own future are hard-won and nuanced. A poignant and smart family drama.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)