Praise for Liesl & Po: “A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy. In her first work for middle-grade readers, the versatile Oliver (Before I Fall, 2010, and Delirium, 2011) deftly creates two worlds that run parallel, ‘like two mirrors sitting face-to-face.’ With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original. Acedera’s frequent black-and-white illustrations are a perfect complement. An irresistible read: This book sings.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Praise for Liesl & Po: “Classic fairy tale elements weave throughout this spirited, old-fashioned adventure. Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for Liesl & Po: “With her third book, Lauren Oliver (Before I Fall; Delirium) creates another highly original world, this one for middle-grade readers. Oliver introduces orphans Liesl and Will, a touch of magic, some delectable coincidences, and friendship that stretches from the Living Side to the Other Side.” - Shelf Awareness
Praise for Liesl & Po: “For me, this book was like a ride in a sleeping car on a fabulous train, one with deep, plush upholstery, shining brass window latches, and secret compartments, one where the bed slides out soundlessly and the sheets are not too new but not too old, and where small amazing cakes arrive regularly on lacquered trays while the night rushes by outside, the moon always visible.” - Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me
Praise for Liesl & Po: “Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver brings much-needed magic to an increasingly neglected age group. It’s books like this, with its classic quest plot, intertwined with lyrical metaphysics, that can set a child up for life.” - The Sunday Telegraph
Praise for Before I Fall: “Oliver’s debut novel is raw, emotional, and, at times, beautiful....readers will love Samantha best as she hurtles toward an end as brave as it is heartbreaking.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Lauren Oliver will again sweep up younger readers with her dark and illuminating tale...The novel pulses with great adventure and plenty of heart.” - Shelf Awareness (starred review)
“This imaginative fantasy emphasizes individual initiative and the power of hope and friendship. Although the creatures are Oliver’s own creations, such beings as the winged, dream-bearing nocturni and the shape-shifting, cannibalistic scawgs have the feel of true folklore. With strong, self-reliant female characters and well-defined action, this is a strong addition to fantasy collections.” - School Library Journal (starred review)
“This imaginative fantasy emphasizes individual initiative and the power of hope and friendship. With strong, self-reliant female characters and well-defined action, this is a strong addition to fantasy collections.” - School Library Journal (starred review)
“Oliver’s magical, mesmerizing quest affirms the saving power of story, friendship, and love.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for Before I Fall: “Samantha’s attempts to save her life and right the wrongs she has caused are precisely what will draw readers into this complex story and keep them turning pages until Sam succeeds in living her last day the right way.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review)
Praise for Delirium: “In [Oliver’s] dystopian America, love has been outlawed as the life-threatening source of all discord. Lena’s gradual awakening is set against a convincing backdrop of totalitarian horror. The abrupt ending leaves enough unanswered questions to set breathless readers up for volume two of this trilogy.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Praise for Delirium: “Strong characters, a vivid portrait of the lives of teens in a repressive society, and nagging questions that can be applied to our world today make this book especially compelling and discussable.” - School Library Journal (starred review)
“As in the author’s first terrific book for middle-grade readers, Liesl & Po, there is a smorgasbord of literary references, including strong echoes of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It is laced with humor and engaging wordplay, as well as riddles and death-defying tests and enchantments. Richly detailed, at times poetic, ultimately moving; a book to be puzzled over, enjoyed and, ideally, read aloud.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Richly detailed, at times poetic, ultimately moving; a book to be puzzled over, enjoyed and, ideally, read aloud.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Oliver’s fluid, poetic prose elevates this tale above the genre, often imparting weight to the simplest sentences....this is sure to win over middle-grade readers.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)