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“Sure Signs of Crazy is knowing, hilarious, and tender. Karen Harrington’s character portrait of Sarah Nelson is one for the ages.”
— Pat Conroy, New York Times bestselling author
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“Sarah Nelson faces her life squarely, with a heroism that
makes us cheer for humanity’s courage, wit, and guts. Hers is a compelling
journey that takes us into that most fragile place: hope. You will be glad you
journeyed there with her.”
— Gary D. Schmidt, Newbery Honor-winning author
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“Harrington has created a protagonist who is, in her own way, as clear-eyed, tough-minded, and inspiring as any dystopian hero.”
— Booklist (starred review)
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“The horrific premise is not belabored, and the focus remains on the plight of a girl juggling the normal
challenges of adolescence with a complex family situation…A compelling novel.”
— School Library Journal (starred review)
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“Extraordinary heart.”
— Horn Book
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“Readers intrigued by the premise of this moving story will sympathize
with the plucky protagonist and rejoice in the way her summer works out.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
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“Sarah’s first person narrative is clear,
strong, humorous, and honest, despite the complexity of the challenges she
faces. Readers who enjoy realistic fiction and exploring the complexities of
human relationships will enjoy Sarah’s compelling quest for hope.”
— VOYA
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“Harrington has crafted a humorous, thoughtful,
and insightful middle-grade novel. Sarah is an authentic tween, at times witty,
angry, kind, fearful, and determined to get the more detailed information she
needs about her mother. The adult characters are likewise genuine. Her father
knows he is using alcohol to fight his shame, grief, and loneliness. When
sober, he is a decent dad who is trying his best. Readers may well end up
rooting for him as well as for the plucky Sarah.”
— Children’s Literature
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“Narrator Cassandra Morris offers a flawless
portrayal of a perceptive twelve-year-old protagonist who is trying to come to
terms with her mother’s illness, actions, and absence. Morris’ high pitch and
unrushed narration capture the youthful innocence and contemplations of Sarah Nelson…Morris’
lilting intonations highlight Sarah’s intelligence and curiosity, bringing out
Sarah’s determination and optimism. Morris’ stirring performance deftly complements
this enticing story, making for a moving YA listening experience. Winner of
AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile
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* "Don't think this will be a hard sell to readers...for Harrington has created a protagonist who is, in her own way, as clear-eyed, tough-minded, and inspiring as any dystopian hero.
— Booklist, starred review
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* "Sarah is an introspective protagonist whose narrative, interspersed with letters and word definitions, keeps readers absorbed...Secondary characters add interest and texture to this compelling novel.
— SLJ, starred review
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* "Readers intrigued by the premise of this moving story will sympathize with the plucky protagonist and rejoice in the way her summer works out.
— Kirkus, starred review
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* "[A] beautifully written story...This is the kind of book that stays with you.
— Library Media Connection, starred review
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An engaging, warm-hearted story. Beautifully written. Harrington creates a fearless and resilient heroine.
— Jewell Parker Rhodes, Coretta Scott King Honor author of Ninth Ward and Sugar
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Sure Signs of Crazy is knowing, hilarious, and tender. Karen Harrington's character portrait of Sarah Nelson is one for the ages.
— Pat Conroy, bestselling author of The Prince of Tides and My Reading Life
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Extraordinary heart.
— The Horn Book