About the author(s)

Jenny Valentine worked in a food shop for fifteen years, where she met many extraordinary people and sold more organic bread than there are words in her first book. She studied English literature at Goldsmith's College, which almost made her stop reading but not quite. Her debut novel, Me, the Missing, and the Dead, won the prestigious Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in the UK under the title Finding Violet Park. Jenny is married to a singer/songwriter and has two children. She lives in Hay on Wye, England.

Reviews

“Lucas’ pitch-perfect voice and authentic family relationships, the mild psychic element, and the poignant, coming-of-age mystery will stay with the reader long after the book ends. Valentine’s debut novel shines richly.” - ALA Booklist (starred review)

“An impressive debut. Valentine offers a rich cast of characters and marvelous writing.” - Buffalo News

“Valentine sets in motion a dark comedy. The mystery that unravels...will keep readers entertained.” - Horn Book Magazine

“Compulsively readable. A memorable new voice.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Part mystery, part magical realism, part story of personal growth, and in large part simply about a funny teenager making light of his and his family’s pain, this short novel is engaging from start to finish.” - School Library Journal (starred review)

“Charmingly told, this mystery manages to be both frothy and nourishing.” - Kirkus Reviews

More by Jenny Valentine

More Social Themes

More Young Adult Fiction

More Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance

More Death, Grief, Bereavement

More Mysteries & Detective Stories

More Parents

More Family

More Coming of Age

More Dark Humor

More Humorous

More Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural

More Boys & Men

More Orphans & Foster Homes