Alice and Jewel have been best friends since grade school. Together, they don't need anyone else, and together they blend into the background of high school. Invisible.

To Alice, Jewel is the opposite of invisible. Jewel is her best friend who goes to Indie concerts and art shows with her. Jewel scoffs at school dances with her. Alice is so comfortable around Jewel that she can talk to him about almost anything.

But she can't tell him that she likes the cool, popular Simon. And then Simon asks her to the school dance the same day that Jewel kisses her for the first time. Still, she can't say no to Simon. He seems like the easy choice, the one she's attracted to, the one she's ready for. But will it mean losing Jewel?

In a bright debut novel set against the lively backdrop of Seattle, Alice must learn the difference between love and a crush, and what it means to be yourself when you're not sure who that is yet.

Other Works

I also have another novel under contract with Wendy Lamb Books. It's quietly flooding out onto my laptop (a Mac, woo!) bit by bit. I can't wait 'til you can read it.

In the meantime, to make up for my meager bibliography, might I interest you in some other contemporary young adult fiction? A few of my faves are . . .

Books I Wish I'd Written

FEED by MT Anderson

"We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck."

Were better first words ever written?

BETTER THAN RUNNING AT NIGHT by Hillary Frank

Starts out with a costume party; brilliant characterization and spare style that I love.

MARGAUX WITH AN X by Ron Koertge

Witty. Emotional. Succinct.

STARGIRL by Jerry Spinelli

You've probably already read STARGIRL. Go read it again and remember why it's so good. Then count the days 'til the release of LOVE, STARGIRL.

BRINGING UP THE BONES by Lara Zeises