Description

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In this beautifully constructed middle-grade novel, told half in prose and half in verse, Lauren prides herself on being a good sister, and Sierra is used to taking care of her mom. When Lauren’s parents send her brother to a therapeutic boarding school for teens on the autism spectrum and Sierra moves to a foster home in Lauren’s wealthy neighborhood, both girls are lost until they find a deep bond with each other. But when Lauren recruits Sierra to help with a Robin Hood scheme to raise money for autistic kids who don’t have her family’s resources, Sierra has a lot to lose if the plan goes wrong. Lauren must learn that having good intentions isn’t all that matters when you battle injustice, and Sierra needs to realize that sometimes, the person you need to take care of is yourself.

About the Author

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Cordelia Jensen is the author of the YA novel-in-verse Skyscraping, which earned a starred review from Booklist (“Exquisite free-verse poems . . . illuminating and deeply felt”). This is Laurie Morrison’s first novel. Both authors live in Philadelphia and received MFAs in writing for children and young adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Laurie Morrison taught middle school for ten years before writing Every Shiny Thing, her middle-grade debut with co-author Cordelia Jensen. She is also the author of Up for Air, and Saint Ivy. She received her MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She lives in Philadelphia.

Praise For…

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"Thoughtful readers will find a lot to like here—sadness, suspense, even humor. They may even pause to consider their own privilege."
— School Library Journal

"Each character is well defined . . . Readers will hope for a better life for both girls. This middle grade novel will find a ready audience in most libraries."
— VOYA Magazine

"Sierra’s narrative, in poetry, captures her spare, cautious, and constrained life. Lauren’s prose is rich and descriptive, much like her own experiences. Together, the contrasting narratives tell a touching story about friendship, loyalty, and resilience that will have lots of appeal."
— Booklist

“Two authors combine their efforts to relate the intertwined tales of a pair of young teens in trouble…  Many of the complications of human behavior are on display here, some of them painful to navigate.”
— Kirkus Reviews

“Like a kaleidoscope, Lauren and Sierra’s shifting perspectives will make you look at the world from different angles, transforming in unique and beautiful ways. This story shines.”
— Lisa Graff, author of Lost in The Sun

“This should hit the mark for middle grade readers who enjoy life’s complexities paired with the intrigue of secrecy.”
— Erin E. Moulton, author of Flutter

“An inventive and emotional story about family and friendship.”
— Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Honor winner for Hello, Universe