Awards

My book projects have received numerous awards.

The Courage to Be Yourself, Free Spirit Publishing

  • Selected by Working Assets as a featured book in its Recommended Reading program.
  • ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Finalist.

Fighting the Monster, Youth Communication

  • 2005 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers (Young Adult, Specialized Audience).

The Heart Knows Something Different, Persea Books

  • A New York Public Library Books for the Teenage Selection, 1996.

Represent (Foster Care Youth United)

  • Honorable Mention, 1996 Anna Quindlen Award for Excellence in Journalism in
    Behalf of Children and Families, Child Welfare League of America.
  • Special Citation for Meritorious Journalism, 1995 Casey Medal Awards, Casey Journalism Center for Children and Families.

The Struggle to Be Strong, Free Spirit Publishing.

  • Outstanding Achievement in Parenting Materials, the Parent's Guide to Children's Media.
  • ALA/YALSA "Quick Pick" (From the American Library Association/Young Adult Library Services Association. This award is given to recommended books appropriate for reluctant young adult readers.)
  • Parent Council Selection.
  • Parent's Choice Award.
  • A New York Public Library Books for the Teenage Selection, 2000.

They Broke the Law—You Be the Judge: True Cases of Teen Crime, Free Spirit Publishing.

  • ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Finalist.
  • ALA/YALSA "Quick Pick"
  • ALA/YALSA "Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults" 

Comments and Reviews

Here are selected comments and reviews about my work.

The Heart Knows Something Different

"Readers will feel the shock of recognition that accompanies the first discovery of literary brilliance coming from a social context in which most of us...would not ordinarily expect to find it...[L]onging, terror, honesty, and eloquence combine to seize the reader's heart and mind."

Jonathan Kozol, author
Savage Inequalities and Amazing Grace

"These are wise and eloquent authors who can teach us much about caring for 'system' children and all children."

Marian Wright Edelman, president
Children's Defense Fund

The Struggle to Be Strong

"Moving...Teens's own words stress the importance of resilience."

Marian Wright Edelman, president
Children's Defense Fund

"This slim but mighty volume is a beacon of hope and good sense for young people."

Martin E.P. Seligman, author
Learned Optimism and The Optimistic Child

"Steeped in the science of resiliency, this fine work offers practical strategies for helping teens beat the odds. I recommend it highly."

Peter L. Benson, Ph.D.
Search Institute

Things Get Hectic: Teens Write About the Violence That Surrounds Them

"An intensely moving collection by young people who have lived through violence and tell their stories with enormous sensitivity and unsparing candor."

Jonathan Kozol, author
Savage Inequalities and Amazing Grace

"A startling series of testimonials about urban violence...a book more eloquent than a thousand police reports...Unheard voices crying for a hearing."

Kirkus Reviews

They Broke the Law—You Be the Judge: True Cases of Teen Crime

"An excellent introduction to how juvenile justice works...a great resource for classroom and group discussions."

Booklist

"A refreshing and completely unique resource, and a great tool for teaching about guilt and mercy."

Youthworker

"An unusual and thought-provoking treatment."

School Library Journal