"Like any good comedy, this novel deals in truth. Like any great comedy, it also nails the difficult job of infusing nuance." — Booklist (starred review)
"Isabel is achingly and sympathetically flawed and her growth, realistic; readers will undoubtedly connect with her journey. Honest truths delivered with humor and heart." — Kirkus Reviews
"Henry’s background as a playwright shines. Readers will enjoy watching [Isabel] undergo the process of self-transformation, one punch line at a time." — Publishers Weekly
"There are some bracing truths here, and Henry puts into words what her readers perhaps cannot, offering understanding and compassion in a world often too demanding of their growing up." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Praise for Let's Call It a Doomsday : “Henry writes witty dialogue, creates complicated characters, and treats different religious beliefs with sincerity and respect... This one’s a gem.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A rare YA novel in its approach to religious faith as a life-giving, if complicated, aspect of a young adult’s life... Ellis is a protagonist to root for.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A whip-smart and compelling protagonist who grapples with deep questions about the nature of belief, identity, and control... One of the few YA titles with a Mormon protagonist... Humorous dialogue and richly developed supporting characters add to the appeal.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“As Ellis learns to consider the hopeful alongside the negative scenarios, the story rushes toward its intriguing, suspenseful conclusion... A too-rare, well-rounded portrayal of a religious adolescent, from the author of Heretics Anonymous .” — The Horn Book
“Henry treats Ellis’ faith with respect and sensitivity while still realistically depicting her struggles to find love and acceptance of herself in a community that is not always supportive of LGBTQ+ individuals... the final few chapters send the reader on a satisfying rollercoaster.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Praise for Heretics Anonymous: “With a page-ripping plot and realistic character development, Henry’s funny, heartwarming tale of unlikely rebels soars: an auspicious debut.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Most impressive here is Henry’s multifaceted take on religion. Come for the arch first-person narrative and puppy love, stay for the examination into belief.” — ALA Booklist (starred review)
“In addition to being a frequently hilarious comedy with its share of complicated romance, the story presents a thought-provoking look at faith, questioning but ultimately respectful of Catholicism and other beliefs.” — Horn Book Magazine
“The story adeptly asks readers to question what they believe and why, without being preachy, judgmental, or dismissive. Humor interlaced with more serious ideas make for an interesting and enjoyable read. Highly recommended, especially for teens who are passionate about a cause.” — School Library Journal
“In this entertaining coming-of-age story, five free-thinking students launch a clandestine campaign against their school’s rigid policies and practices, with unanticipated consequences. Snappy dialogue sparkles throughout this skillfully crafted debut.” — Publishers Weekly
“Genuine and heartfelt doctrinal questions arise in between the pranks and the conversations Michael has with his new friends, allowing both believing and nonbelieving readers to find their way into this exploration of the way feelings about family and faith intersect. A balanced perspective of possibilities of faith and skepticism.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
As Ellis learns to consider the hopeful alongside the negative scenarios, the story rushes toward its intriguing, suspenseful conclusion... A too-rare, well-rounded portrayal of a religious adolescent, from the author of Heretics Anonymous .
"There are some bracing truths here, and Henry puts into words what her readers perhaps cannot, offering understanding and compassion in a world often too demanding of their growing up."
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"Like any good comedy, this novel deals in truth. Like any great comedy, it also nails the difficult job of infusing nuance."
Booklist (starred review)
In addition to being a frequently hilarious comedy with its share of complicated romance, the story presents a thought-provoking look at faith, questioning but ultimately respectful of Catholicism and other beliefs.
Most impressive here is Henry’s multifaceted take on religion. Come for the arch first-person narrative and puppy love, stay for the examination into belief.
ALA Booklist (starred review)
"There are some bracing truths here, and Henry puts into words what her readers perhaps cannot, offering understanding and compassion in a world often too demanding of their growing up."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"There are some bracing truths here, and Henry puts into words what her readers perhaps cannot, offering understanding and compassion in a world often too demanding of their growing up."
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
11/01/2020
Gr 8 Up— Sixteen-year-old plant enthusiast Isabel Vance has trained herself over the years to be agreeable and keep her true thoughts to herself—even if it means being the butt of jokes, missing conversations due to her auditory processing disorder, or rationalizing her boyfriend Alex's increasingly isolating and controlling behavior. An attempt to avoid Alex one afternoon results in Isabel accidentally signing up for an open mic comedy show. One rocky set later, Isabel finds herself lying about being in college and exchanging numbers with college senior and aspiring stand-up Mo. Isabel, or "Izzy" as she is now known to her new college friends, starts to blossom within the stand-up scene, slowly gaining the courage to speak rather than just think. Eventually, it becomes harder for Isabel to convince herself that everything is OK while keeping her worlds separate. Henry delivers a complex coming-of-age narrative of a teenager gaining the courage to be her true self. Comedy nerds and novices alike will enjoy Isabel's introduction to the stand-up scene, but the story's core value lies in Isabel finding her voice and coming to terms with her abusive relationship. Readers unfamiliar with the insidious cycle of emotional abuse will gain insight as they witness Alex's toxic behavior and the ways Isabel rationalizes it. Isabel is white, and the supporting cast is of various races and backgrounds. VERDICT An engaging take on stand-up comedy grafted together with an important look at toxic relationships. Recommended.—Pearl Derlaga, York County P.L., VA
Listeners will have a ball with this quirky, comical romp, delightfully narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen. High school student Izzy is normally overlooked by her classmates, teachers, and boyfriend—until she finally discovers her voice in stand-up comedy after wandering into an open-mic night. Izzy begins to hang out with fellow comedian Mo while pretending she’s in college to fit in with her new friends. When she starts sneaking out of the house to do stand-up, her peers become suspicious. Mollo-Christensen orally transforms Izzy from a mousy girl with low self-esteem to a confident, bold, and witty personality. Her journey of self-discovery is well performed, and listeners will soak up every cheeky line and triumph. G.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Listeners will have a ball with this quirky, comical romp, delightfully narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen. High school student Izzy is normally overlooked by her classmates, teachers, and boyfriend—until she finally discovers her voice in stand-up comedy after wandering into an open-mic night. Izzy begins to hang out with fellow comedian Mo while pretending she’s in college to fit in with her new friends. When she starts sneaking out of the house to do stand-up, her peers become suspicious. Mollo-Christensen orally transforms Izzy from a mousy girl with low self-esteem to a confident, bold, and witty personality. Her journey of self-discovery is well performed, and listeners will soak up every cheeky line and triumph. G.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
2020-10-12
Sixteen-year-old Isabel Vance feels like the odd one out in her own family: Her successful, professional parents are preoccupied, and her 18-year-old siblings’ forceful personalities shut her out. Now that the twins are off at college, Isabel’s parents fail to see her loneliness and count on her to fulfill her family role as the kid who causes no trouble. Her alpha-male boyfriend, Alex, says he loves Isabel, but he cuts her off from her best friend and closely monitors her movements. Although Isabel fears angering Alex, she tells herself that he genuinely needs her. A series of misunderstandings results in her performing an impromptu stand-up routine at an open mic event and meeting new friends who believe she’s in college, too. Events quickly spiral out of control: Isabel relishes her secret life as comedian Izzy V., exploring the power of standing on stage, boldly and hilariously speaking her truth. As a straight, White, upper-middle-class girl, her new friendships with a Persian lesbian, a wealthy Black boy, and an Asian transracial adoptee offer glimpses of a world beyond the narrow confines of her prep school. Naturally, the deception cannot continue indefinitely, and Isabel/Izzy must apply the courage of her stage persona to her offstage relationships. Isabel is achingly and sympathetically flawed and her growth, realistic; readers will undoubtedly connect with her journey.
Honest truths delivered with humor and heart. (Fiction. 13-18)
