Monday Procrastination!

As I've said before, nothing helps ease you back into a work-week as, well, refusing to do any work and instead spending the day watching various YouTube videos. Here's another one to queue up--in it, I speak about the inspiration for my very first middle-grade book, LIESL & PO, which will be released on Oct 1.

On the subject of L & P, I'm thrilled to say it has just received a starred review from PW! Check it out below.

*Liesl & Po
Lauren Oliver, illus. by Kei Acedera. Harper, $16.99 (320p) ISBN 978-0-06-201451-1
The sun has not shined for 1,728 days and counting in YA author Oliver’s (Delirium) first book for middle-grade readers, a gloominess that underscores a plot in which adults seek personal gain at the expense of children. Classic fairy tale elements weave throughout this spirited, old-fashioned adventure: a young girl locked in an attic, a wicked stepmother, an alchemist, an orphan boy running from a cruel master. Add two nearly identical boxes—one containing the ashes of 11-year-old Liesl’s recently deceased father, the other holding “the Most Powerful Magic in the World”—and mix them up, and excitement begins to break through the bleakness. Po, a presence from “the Other Side,” brings Liesl a message to bury her father’s ashes underneath a certain willow tree, inspiring her to escape her imprisonment in her stepmother’s attic and head for the train. An exhilarating chase ensues, as characters pursue the runaway children and the mixed-up boxes. Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)

I've been giving away three ARCs per month, and the tradition lives on...stay tuned, because later in the week I'll be selecting and contacting August's winners!

Happy "work" week!

xoLauren