📖 Overview
Lisa Ann Sandell is an American author specializing in young adult literature. Her work includes three published novels and contributions to young adult anthologies, with her writing often incorporating historical and literary influences.
Sandell's background in Medieval and Renaissance Literature from the University of Pennsylvania directly influenced her novel "Song of the Sparrow," which draws from Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur. Her first novel, "The Weight of the Sky," was inspired by her experiences as an intern at The Jerusalem Report in Israel.
Based in New York City since 2000, Sandell has worked as a children's book editor while pursuing her writing career. Her works have received recognition from institutions including the New York Public Library and Voice of Youth Advocates, particularly for "The Weight of the Sky" and "Song of the Sparrow."
Her published works demonstrate range across different themes and styles, from the contemporary setting of "The Weight of the Sky" to the historical fiction of "Song of the Sparrow" and the coming-of-age story in "A Map of the Known World." She has also contributed to young adult literature through short fiction, including her story "See Me" in the anthology "21 Proms."
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Sandell's poetic writing style, particularly in "Song of the Sparrow," her verse novel retelling of Arthurian legend. Multiple reviews highlight her ability to make verse accessible to young readers. One Goodreads reviewer noted: "The format made the story flow beautifully without feeling forced."
Readers praise her character development and emotional depth in "A Map of the Known World," with several mentioning authentic portrayals of grief and family relationships.
Common criticisms include slow pacing in "The Weight of the Sky" and some readers finding the verse format in "Song of the Sparrow" challenging to follow. Several reviews mention wanting more world-building and historical detail.
Ratings across platforms:
- "Song of the Sparrow": 3.9/5 on Goodreads (6,000+ ratings)
- "A Map of the Known World": 3.7/5 on Goodreads (1,000+ ratings)
- "The Weight of the Sky": 3.5/5 on Goodreads (400+ ratings)
- Amazon ratings average 4/5 across all titles
Many readers recommend her books for middle-grade and young teen readers interested in historical fiction or poetry.
📚 Books by Lisa Ann Sandell
The Weight of the Sky (2006)
A verse novel following an American teenager spending a summer in Israel as a journalism intern, exploring themes of identity and cultural connection.
Song of the Sparrow (2007) A retelling of the Arthurian legend of Elaine of Shalott through verse, set in sixth-century Britain and following sixteen-year-old Elaine as she lives among warriors.
A Map of the Known World (2009) A contemporary novel about a fourteen-year-old artist dealing with grief and family relationships following her brother's death.
See Me in "21 Proms" anthology (2007) A short story contribution to a young adult anthology focusing on experiences surrounding high school proms.
Song of the Sparrow (2007) A retelling of the Arthurian legend of Elaine of Shalott through verse, set in sixth-century Britain and following sixteen-year-old Elaine as she lives among warriors.
A Map of the Known World (2009) A contemporary novel about a fourteen-year-old artist dealing with grief and family relationships following her brother's death.
See Me in "21 Proms" anthology (2007) A short story contribution to a young adult anthology focusing on experiences surrounding high school proms.
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