Laurie Halse Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author whose writing spans children, teens, and adults. Combined, her books have sold more than 8 million copies. Her new book, SHOUT, a memoir-in-verse about surviving sexual assault at the age of thirteen and a manifesto for the #MeToo era, has received widespread critical acclaim and was Anderson’s’s eighth New York Times bestselling book.
Two of her novels, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists, and Chains was short-listed for the prestigious Carnegie Medal in the United Kingdom. Anderson has been nominated for Sweden’s Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award three times, selected by the American Library Association for the Margaret A. Edwards Award, and has been honored for her battles for intellectual freedom by the National Coalition Against Censorship and the National Council of Teachers of English.
Anderson was born in Potsdam, New York and graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in language and linguistics. In addition to combating censorship, Anderson regularly speaks about the need for diversity in publishing and is a member of RAINN’s National Leadership Council. She lives in Philadelphia, where she enjoys cheesesteaks while she writes.
Praise for Speak
“Melinda’s voice is distinct, unusual, and very real as she recounts her past and present experiences in bitterly ironic, occasionally even amusing vignettes. . . . Melinda’s sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.” ―Booklist
“An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.” ―The Horn Book
Praise for Shout
“In this powerful memoir told in free verse, Anderson delves into her past. . .Her potent words and willingness to shout her message are proof of the soundness of that advice.” —Publishers Weekly
“More than a gifted writer, Anderson is an advocate for anyone who feels alienated. Her sensitive, incisive book is essential for all young people.” —School Library Journal
