Lisa Graff

Lisa Graff is an American children's book author known for writing middle-grade novels that often explore complex emotional themes through engaging storylines. She has published over a dozen books since 2007 and received multiple awards and nominations for her work. Her most acclaimed novels include "A Tangle of Knots" (2013), which was long-listed for the National Book Award, and "Absolutely Almost" (2014), which earned starred reviews from major publishing outlets. Graff's writing frequently addresses themes of identity, belonging, and family relationships. Before becoming an author, Graff worked as an editor at Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children from The New School in New York City and has taught writing at various institutions. Her work includes both standalone novels and series, with titles such as "Double Dog Dare," "Lost in the Sun," and "Umbrella Summer" demonstrating her range in tackling both lighthearted and serious subject matter. Graff's books are regularly included in school reading lists and have been translated into multiple languages.

Readers consistently highlight Graff's ability to handle difficult topics like grief, anxiety, and family challenges in ways that resonate with middle-grade readers. Multiple reviews note her skill at balancing serious themes with humor. What readers liked: - Character development and emotional depth - Authentic portrayal of children's perspectives - Accessibility for reluctant readers - Integration of realistic family dynamics What readers disliked: - Some plots described as predictable - Pacing issues in certain books - Secondary characters sometimes underdeveloped Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: Average 4.1/5 across all titles - "A Tangle of Knots": 3.9/5 (23,000+ ratings) - "Lost in the Sun": 4.2/5 (8,000+ ratings) - Amazon: Most titles maintain 4.5+ stars Common reader comments: "Handles tough subjects without being heavy-handed" "Characters feel like real kids" "Perfect for classroom discussions" "Some endings feel rushed" Source note: Ratings compiled from Goodreads and Amazon as of 2023

A Tangle of Knots - In a world where most people have a special talent called a Fate, 11-year-old orphan Cady uses her exceptional cake-baking abilities to find her place.

Double Dog Dare - Two fourth-grade rivals engage in an escalating dare war while competing for the position of class president.

Lost in the Sun - A twelve-year-old boy struggles with guilt and anger after accidentally causing the death of a hockey teammate.

Absolutely Almost - Ten-year-old Albie navigates school, friendship, and family expectations while trying to find what he's good at.

The Thing About Georgie - A fourth-grade boy with dwarfism deals with changing friendships and a new sibling on the way.

Umbrella Summer - Following her brother's death, Annie learns to stop worrying excessively about safety and open herself to life again.

Sophie Simon Solves Them All - A child genius attempts to manipulate her way into getting a graphing calculator while helping her classmates solve their problems.

The Great Treehouse War - Told through notes and documents, a story of a girl who lives in a treehouse between her divorced parents' homes and starts a kid revolution.

Far Away - A twelve-year-old girl searches for her missing mother using a series of mysterious clues.

A Clatter of Jars - Children with magical abilities attend a summer camp where their talents are tested and secrets are revealed.

Rebecca Stead writes middle-grade novels about family relationships and coming-of-age challenges. Her books feature complex characters navigating friendship dynamics and personal growth, often incorporating elements of mystery or light magical realism.

Wendy Mass creates stories centered on middle school students dealing with identity and self-discovery. Her work includes both realistic fiction and books with fantastical premises while maintaining focus on character development and interpersonal relationships.

Kate DiCamillo tells stories about young characters overcoming loss and finding connection. Her books blend humor with serious themes and feature both animal and human protagonists in various settings.

Katherine Applegate writes about characters facing difficult circumstances while exploring themes of belonging and resilience. Her work spans realistic fiction and fantasy, often incorporating animal perspectives and environmental themes.

Sharon Creech focuses on family dynamics and personal growth through both prose and verse novels. Her stories feature young protagonists discovering truths about themselves and their relationships with others.