“Cleverly, the story feels like Gothic historical fiction, but it’s set in the present… A delightful mystery tinged with heartache.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Fifteen-year-old Anika Dragomir throws her arms around us and draws us in from the very beginning… Droll, intimate, often laugh-out-loud funny narration carries the reader through more than 300 pages... Anika’s winning voice may just be the star of Portes’s first young adult novel.” - New York Times Book Review
“Anika Dragomir is the funniest, snarkiest, most insightful misfit a reader could ever hope to meet. I laughed my way through Anatomy of a Misfit right up until the very end, when the book broke my heart into a million pieces. This is a beautiful, brave and powerful novel.” - Melissa Kantor, author of Maybe One Day and The Breakup Bible
“… a romance filled with seriously funny dark humor and tragedy.” - Kirkus Reviews
“It’s rare that a book can be as funny and absolutely delightful as it is moving and thought provoking, and Anatomy of a Misfit is both.” - Lauren Oliver, author of Before I Fall
“Anika’s observations are razor-sharp, especially when she is describing other people… An introductory note says the story is based on the author’s ninth-grade experience. What a year.” - Horn Book Magazine
“A traditional mystery with a ghostly twist… [and] cliff-hanger endings that will encourage page turning… An entertaining mystery for children who like their chills seasoned with laughs.” - School Library Journal
“As with Anatomy of a Misfit, Portes’s second YA novel has a seductive zaniness and almost unstoppable exuberance… Willa’s memorable voice and humor, as well as her longing to cultivate relationships that will anchor her more firmly to the world, will linger with readers.” - Publishers Weekly
“The protagonist’s voice is vibrant and authentic… Fans of Chelsey Philpot’s Even in Paradise will enjoy this coming-of-age story with emotional appeal.” - School Library Journal
“[Willa’s] idiosyncratic, often mean, sometimes vulnerable voice is the highlight of this contemporary problem novel... Willa’s realization that some loving relationships are also toxic, and the slow fracturing of Willa and Remy’s friendship are believably painful.” - Booklist
“Remy’s terrible choices throughout (including seducing a teacher) and her descent into drug abuse feel organic rather than histrionic, while Willa’s emergence from the dark is hard-fought and believable.” - Horn Book Magazine
PRAISE FOR ANATOMY OF A MISFIT: “A self-deprecating and highly memorable heroine whose bawdy, laceratingly funny narration makes her instantly endearing while also revealing her flaws, uncertainties, and ethical quandaries.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Anika’s droll voice shines, and her emotions are palpable. After a heartbreaking tragedy, Anika’s ending . . . will leave readers cheering.” - School Library Journal
Praise for LIBERTY: “Paige’s misadventures keep readers turning pages in this fast-paced spy drama... Fans of Libba Bray will enjoy the sharp banter and eclectic cultural observations. An entertaining girl-power, kick-butt, espionage romp.” - School Library Journal (starred review)
“The young operative navigates Russian secret agents and contacts in the mob with fast-paced action and biting wit—perhaps while falling in love in the process. A fun—and even funnier—thriller.” - Kirkus Reviews
PRAISE FOR THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES: “[Willa’s] first-person narration is self-deprecating, deeply thoughtful, and thoroughly funny, with a sometimes-chiding direct address that pulls readers into her confidence. Snarky and painfully astute. But in a good way. - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)