Writing For Teens
Sarah Dessen was born in 1970 in Illinois, but has spent almost her entire life in the Chapel Hill, North Carolina area. She attended UNC, studied creative writing, and majored in English. She now lives in the country with her husband, daughter Sasha, and two dogs.
Some of her favorite writers when she was young were Lois Lowry (A Summer to Die) and Judy Blume.
Sarah writes about issues relevant to today's teens including: anorexia, an abusive relationship, sexual assault, self image, an absent parent or the death of a parent, family dynamics, the death of a classmate/friend, teen pregnancy, communication, the impact of gossip, and the truth about friendship.
You can read about each of her books below and I also have a website where I recommend books by other authors including: Lisa McMann, Meg Cabot, Ann Brashares, Libba Bray, Stephenie Meyer, Robin Jones Gunn, Jodi Picoult, Alice Sebold, Nicholas Sparks, Ellen Hopkins, Laurie Halse Anderson, and Jay Asher.
Recent Books 4 Teens and Adults
Some of her favorite writers when she was young were Lois Lowry (A Summer to Die) and Judy Blume.
Sarah writes about issues relevant to today's teens including: anorexia, an abusive relationship, sexual assault, self image, an absent parent or the death of a parent, family dynamics, the death of a classmate/friend, teen pregnancy, communication, the impact of gossip, and the truth about friendship.
You can read about each of her books below and I also have a website where I recommend books by other authors including: Lisa McMann, Meg Cabot, Ann Brashares, Libba Bray, Stephenie Meyer, Robin Jones Gunn, Jodi Picoult, Alice Sebold, Nicholas Sparks, Ellen Hopkins, Laurie Halse Anderson, and Jay Asher.
Recent Books 4 Teens and Adults
That Summer
Summers hold special memories for many of us: vacations, beaches, picnics, summer jobs, summer loves, maybe even a wedding or two. Haven age 15 and younger sister to Ashley, is fondly remembering a summer five years ago because in this current summer her world is falling apart. She is almost six feet tall, her father who had an affair and left her mother is now remarrying, and her sister Ashley is marrying as well. An ex-boyfriend of Ashley's named Sumner reappears in town and Haven is wondering why he and Ashley couldn't get back together. Someone Like You
Halley and Scarlett, both 16 and juniors in high school, have been best friends forever. Scarlett was always the strong one, but now she needs Halley to be there for her. Scarlett's boyfriend has been killed while riding his motorcycle and then Scarlett discovers she is pregnant with his child. Meanwhile Halley has problems of her own. She has always gotten along well with her father, a D.J. at the local radio station, and her mother, a psychologist. However, things have changed and she and her mother are constantly at odds, especially about the guy she is seeing.We learn nothing about Scarlett's father and frankly, her mother doesn't function particularly well. I also did not care for the way Halley's mother had in the past used their relationship as a basis for her books. However, I loved the friendship between Halley and Scarlett.
That Summer and Someone Like You were combined for the Movie How to Deal.
Keeping the Moon
Colie and her mother used to be fat. They moved frequently and were homeless for a time. Then Colie's mother went on a "let's get healthy" kick and they both lost weight. Now mom has a good job and they live in a nice house. Unfortunately, because of a really mean girl at school, fifteen year old Colie has acquired a reputation she did not deserve. Mom is going to Europe to work for the summer and Colie is going to spend the summer with her eccentric Aunt Mira. She takes a job waiting tables at the Last Chance Diner and learns much about friendship from the other two waitresses and a cook, named Norman, who happens to board with her aunt.I adored Aunt Mira, but perhaps that's because I aspire to eccentric. I also loved the crew of the diner. Many young girls could use friends like those.
Dreamland
Caitlin is the younger and she feels second-rate sister to Cass who is perfect in every way. Now Caitlin is 16 and rather than starting at Yale, Cass has run off with a guy. This year for Caitlin is about school, cheerleading, parties, her boyfriend, and so much much more. Who can resist a great looking guy who drives a black BMW? However, Caitlin is keeping secrets and it is not until others witness what is happening to her that something is done.It's unfortunate, but this is a book every young lady should read. It has an important lesson which they may need in the future.
This Lullaby
Remy, Jess, Chloe, and Lissa are friends (sort of) and now it is the summer between high school and college. This is a time of transition for each of them, but the story concentrates on Remy who because her mother has had a series of husbands and Remy never even met her father, she is very cynical about love. Remy has always said no musicians and yet, Dexter is a musician. She has always been extremely fastidious about her car and yet, she hauls Dexter's dog, Monkey, around in her car.The dynamics of friendship not only between the four girls, but also between the band members were quite interesting. How many of us long out of high school are still in touch with those we knew then let alone still close friends?
The Truth About Forever
Macy's father has recently died and she is feeling guilty because she wasn't there for him. Her mother isn't coping with his death well at all. Macy's boyfriend, Jason, represents security, but frankly he is a clueless jerk. It might have been a very long summer working at a very boring job engineered by Jason, but then by chance 16 year old Macy Queen meets an interesting group of people. From the Wish Catering Crew Macy learns much about friendship.I truly did not like Macy's mother, but I guess I have to give her a pass since she is dealing with the death of her husband. I loved everyone who was part of the Wish Catering Crew, but most especially Wes. This is my favorite Sarah Dessen novel.
Just Listen
Annabel Greene is the youngest of three very different sisters. She has had a very bad summer and must now return to school. In the Kopf's Department Store advertisement she appears as the "girl who has everything" and yet she has never been so lonely or so sad. How will she face each day surrounded by those who have heard the rumors? As she has her own problems to confront, her entire family is dealing with issues that plague her sister, Whitney. By circumstance, Annabel and Owen Armstrong, whose life revolves around music, become friends. Owen has a radio program called Anger Management and he believes in always telling the truth. It is Owen who will help Annabel to meet certain challenges.You will note as you read this book that Sarah mentions people and places from previous books. I love it when an author builds a community with several books. This was an interesting look at family dynamics and a very important book for young ladies for several reasons.
Lock and Key
Lock and Key has just been released. Look for it in your local bookstore or order below at Amazon.Ruby's mother has disappeared and Ruby is certain that it's for good. She has been living alone in the rundown yellow house for 4 months until it's discovered. Ruby goes to live with her sister, Cora, who she has not seen in 10 years, and Cora's husband Jamie. Ruby finds it hard to believe Jamie created an extremely popular networking site on the Web. Ruby's world is entirely different now with a nice large house, private school, new clothes, and a promise for the future, but she is having difficulty accepting all of this. And what is going on with the Nate, the boy next door?
Sarah Dessen Novel's on Amazon
That Summer
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 11/16/2009) 
Someone Like You
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
Keeping the Moon
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
Dreamland (reissue)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
This Lullaby
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
The Truth About Forever
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
Just Listen
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
Lock and Key
Amazon Price: $12.91 (as of 11/16/2009)
Sarah Dessen Collection: That Summer/Someone Like You/This Lullaby/Dreamland/Keeping The Moon
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
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