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"[Colbert] further demonstrates her ability to convey the experiences of modern teen life with sensitivity, candor, and grace.”
— Chicago Tribune
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“The book is extremely honest in its portrayal of mental illness, particularly how it affects sibling relationships, without veering into melodrama.”
— BuzzFeed
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“This superbly written novel teems with meaningful depth, which is perfectly balanced by romance and the languorous freedom of summer.”
— Booklist (starred review)
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“A moving, diverse exploration of the challenges of growing up and the complicated nature of loyalty.”
— School Library Journal (starred review)
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“Colbert sensitively confronts misconceptions about mental illness, bisexuality, and intersectional identity. A vibrantly depicted Los Angeles and a rich, though at-times unwieldy, cast of characters create a convincing world. Readers will empathize with Suzette as she explores both her sexuality and the tricky line between honesty and betrayal.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
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“With compelling honesty, Colbert portrays Suzette’s evolving understanding of her sexuality, Lionel’s longing for self-sufficiency alongside the challenges of his mental illness, and the difficulty of shifting familial relationships.”
— Horn Book
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“Hand to readers who like thoughtful, edgy stories with no easy answers.”
— VOYA
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“A moving and well-realized examination of secrecy, trust, and intimacy.”
— Publishers Weekly
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“A gripping novel that explores topics of sexuality, mental illness, and race.”
— Bookish
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“[A] thoughtful and thought-provoking examination of identity, loyalty, and what it means to live with integrity…A stunningly good novel.”
— Kiersten White, author of Now I Rise
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* "This superbly written novel teems with meaningful depth, which is perfectly balanced by romance and the languorous freedom of summer.
— Booklist, starred review
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* "A moving, diverse exploration of the challenges of growing up and the complicated nature of loyalty.
— School Library Journal, starred review
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* "Colbert sensitively confronts misconceptions about mental illness, bisexuality, and intersectional identity....A vibrantly depicted Los Angeles.
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
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Kirkus Best Book of the YearBuzzfeed Best Book of the YearBustle.com Best Book of the YearVulture Best Book of the YearSeventeen Magazine Best Book of the Year
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Brandy Colbert further establishes herself as one of contemporary YA's biggest talents in this thoughtful and thought-provoking examination of identity, loyalty, and what it means to live with integrity. Little & Lion is a stunningly good novel.
— Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken
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On the surface, this is a great book that beautifully navigates the elaborate landscapes of sexual orientation and mental health issues. But as I read on, I found myself deeply connected with Suzette, who is gorgeously depicted in all her complexities. This is a book and a protagonist I will long remember.
— Bill Konigsberg, award-winning author of Openly Straight and Honestly Ben
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Brandy Colbert takes us on an emotional and gorgeous journey with a protagonist who is trying to figure out where she fits in with her family as well as in the world. A book full of overwhelming love and courage.
— Sara Farizan, author of Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel
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* "From the threads of love and romance, to redefining family life, readers of all walks of life will find an entry point to this title.
— Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
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A moving and well-realized examination of secrecy, trust, and intimacy.
— Publishers Weekly
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Hand [Little & Lion] to readers who like thoughtful, edgy stories with no easy answers.
— VOYA