Author Spotlight

We highly recommend you to browse our site using a computer rather than a mobile device for an optimal experience.

My Fairy Godfather

By: Robert Mailer Anderson

Although it's a short book, the message jumps out of its pages. I found Billie's journey profound and impactful as she navigated her new life. I loved seeing the relationship between Billie, her godfather, and Steven. Their ups and downs showed how dynamic any family can be (I found their banter especially humorous). While exploring this story, I see the complexity of people and their identities. Being your true self can't always fit easily in a box.-Lena
This was a joy to read.  I loved the changing perspectives and the complex family dynamics.  The illustrations were beautiful and the organization of the page was easy to follow.  I would highly recommend this book with it's clear message of self acceptance and standing up for yourself.-Norah

Summary from Fantagraphics:


Set in Liberal, Kansas, a teenager moves in with her gay, film geek Godfather and his partner who run the Starlite movie theater, a safe haven for their eccentricities and artistic yearnings. My Fairy Godfather tells a story about how music and film connect us to who we’ve loved, who we’ve been, and who we are becoming — and that lying beneath the façade of teenage cynicism is the profound desire to be understood and loved.
A special thank you to Mr. Anderson for providing us with copies of his book!

Not With the Band

By: Kelli Warner

I definitely would recommend anyone looking for a solid YA romance book. This book just makes you feel good and you get hooked by the plot. Many unanticipated events happened that kept me wanting to read more. I like the coming of age feeling it gives you, it was a very enjoyable.-Lena
Not With the Band was a very well done, classic, ya romance with a couple twists I did not see coming.  It was impossible to read this book without a smile on your face.  The main plot was engaging and the side lots were equally well though out.  I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a good ya romance.-Norah

Summary from Amazon:


Drama. Jerks. Another new school. Those are three things Kassidy Perry vows to avoid her senior year of high school. Unfortunately, it looks like the Universe didn’t get the memo. When her mom marries the football coach from a rival high school, Kassidy’s forced to move (again), enroll in a new school (again) and adapt to life with three stepbrothers, including the school’s star quarterback who’s barely said two words to her. And what’s up with her incredibly hot-yet-cocky neighbor who’s developed a weird habit of climbing the trellis to her bedroom’s balcony? Nothing about her senior year is turning out the way Kassidy planned—and that’s before a revealed family secret drops the biggest bombshell yet. Jordan Lawson could care less about football, even though he’s starting his senior year on the radar of college recruiters. He just wants to play music with his band, win a national contest with a record label and pursue his dream of being a musician. When those plans are threatened, his saving grace lies in the hands of his new stepsister. But how can he ask Kassidy for a monumental favor, when he’s partly to blame for derailing her life? And what if getting what he wants puts her dreams in jeopardy? In her debut YA novel, Kelli Warner weaves a humorous and relatable story about finding your way in a world you can’t control—and what happens when the people you least expect turn out to be the ones you need the most.
A special thank you to Ms. Warner for providing us with copies of her book!

The Rain Falls For You

By: Claire Wagner

I love this collection of poems by Claire. I found myself enjoying the thoughts and emotions portrayed in this book, a lot of them were relatable. This book and Growing Pains made me really think. The depth in Claire's writing can make you really introspective. -Lena
This collection of poetry was astounding and so relatable.  I loved how the poems were organized into the 4 sections and there were also smaller themes and ideas through out.  I would highly recommend this and Claire's second book to anyone.  Both were amazingly well done.-Norah

Summary from Amazon:


The Rain Falls For You is a collection of poetry and prose split into four sections; The Storm, The Rain, The Clouds, and The Sun. This is a coming-of-age story tackling the struggles of life, love, expectations, femininity, and ambition. The Storm portrays powerful emotions and the raging typhoon that comes with it. The Rain symbolizes the tears of love and losing the younger version of yourself. The Clouds show numbness and the stillness in the weather when waiting for the sun to reveal its true identity. Lastly, The Sun depicts the warmth of the sun and the feeling of finally being whole. After nearly a year of working tirelessly, sixteen-year-old Claire Wagner is proud to publish The Rain Falls For You.
A special thank you to Claire for providing us with copies of her book!

Bentley's Fantabulous Idea

By: Miki Taylor

Bentley's Fantabulous Idea is an engaging story full of color. I loved the illustrations and the different characters that appeared. It showcases short educational messages in Betty and Bentley's adventure. I would definitely recommend this book to a younger audience because it inspires friendship and unity.-Lena
This book is adorable and absolutely ripe with messages and interactive details sure to keep any young reader engaged.  I really enjoyed reading this picture book and would absolutely recommend it to any young reader.  Although, a truly good book doesn't have an age limit and you're never too old to get joy out of a picture book.  And joy, as well as teamwork, is exactly what this book is all about.  -Norah

Summary from Amazon:


When Betty faces a school assignment dilemma, it's not just a problem-it's an invitation to embark on a quest, guided by the boundless creativity of Bentley with the help of "The Crew," an exuberant ensemble of twenty-one unforgettable characters. Their story unfolds through a tapestry of interactive activities, riddles, and vibrant illustrations that do more than entertain; they make learning an irresistible dance of curiosity and joy.
A special thank you to Ms. Taylor for reaching out and providing us with copies of her book!

Winterset Hollow  

By: Jonathan Edward Durham

 This was honestly one of the best books I've read in ages. The story and premise was incredibly original and unusual. I never knew anything like this could exist. It was both exhilarating and thought-provoking, with a smart and sophisticated writing style. Reading Winterset Hollow was like quenching a thirst I didn't even know I had. It is a genre blender that includes elements of horror/thriller, fantasy, and fairy-tale. I loved how there were so many invigorating twists and turns- I felt caught off guard half the time, in a great way. This book forced me to reflect on many things because it was so nuanced. It really makes you think about human nature, how we justify right and wrong, and how our history and personal trauma impacts us and our lives. The themes explored in this book were approached in a thoughtful way that gave them an even more meaningful effect. The characters and plotline had so much depth, and as I got into the backstories and started learning more, my head was spinning out of control. The entire time I kept asking, why, why, WHY? I needed answers! I couldn't have put this book down even if I wanted to- it was beyond enchanting I was ecstatic because this book was a relatively challenging read and a fantastic story at the same time, which can be hard to find. I ADORED this book, and I hope you do too!-Gea

Summary from Amazon:


Everyone has wanted their favorite book to be real, if only for a moment. Everyone has wished to meet their favorite characters, if only for a day. But be careful in that wish, for even a history laid in ink can be repaid in flesh and blood, and reality is far deadlier than fiction . . . especially on Addington Isle.Winterset Hollow follows a group of friends to the place that inspired their favorite book—a timeless tale about a tribe of animals preparing for their yearly end-of-summer festival. But after a series of shocking discoveries, they find that much of what the world believes to be fiction is actually fact, and that the truth behind their beloved story is darker and more dangerous than they ever imagined. It’s Barley Day . . . and you’re invited to the hunt.Winterset Hollow is as thrilling as it is terrifying and as smart as it is surprising. A uniquely original story filled with properly unexpected twists and turns, Winterset Hollow delivers complex, indelible characters and pulse- pounding action as it storms toward an unforgettable climax that will leave you reeling. How do you celebrate Barley Day? You run, friend. You run.
I loved reading this book!  It is one of the most thoughtfully worded books I've ever read.  The overall vocabulary used is unlike anything I've ever encountered.  The plot retains your attention the entire time and is delightfully twisted!  While you would think this book would be boring because of how complex the writing I'm happy to report it's the opposite!  Jonathan Durham does a fantastic job of pacing the story and the world building is truly astounding to witness.  Also, a small portion of this book is told in poetry which was beautiful to read.  I'm genuinely flabbergasted by how different the poetry versus the actual book was and yet Jonathan Durham executed both of them skillfully and will have you desperate to read more.  This book fills a gap in the literary world I wasn't aware existed.  It hits all the sweet spots, creepy, intelligent, and uniquely human (which is odd considering a lot of the main characters are animals).  It makes you reflect on where you come from and how you interact with your world.  It made me think about the complexity of human nature and just how much we can justify peoples actions.   There are no true bad guys in this book, just a lot of broken beings.  This honestly might be one of the first books to actually challenge me while still retaining my interest.  I implore you to take a chance on this book!  -Norah
This was such a refined piece of literature. The word choice and imagery, was incredible. I was astounded by level of depth in this book. There was so much to unravel and you could dissect for hours. The book in general was utterly mind blowing.  The first page that your read is poetry. Then the next was a completely different writing style. The transition between the do was done so well, that I was honestly shocked that this was all one author. I've read a lot of books and when you include poetry and do it in a way that creates two different writing styles it can either complement the book or make it confusing. This was done marvelously, and was flawlessly integrated into the book. The poetry also added such different dynamic to the book that you didn't even realize was necessary until you realize you can't imagine the this book without it. I feel I also need to touch on the ideas present in this selection that were so though-provoking. Human nature was defiantly shown in this novel. More specifically the intricacy of right from wrong and we decide what is right or wrong. This book was a challenge, but so well rounded.  You MUST read this novel.-Annabelle 
A special thank you to Mr. Durham for reaching out and providing us with copies of his book!