“In one universe, they are gorgeous, straight-teethed, long-legged, wrapped in designer fashions, and given sports cars on their sixteenth birthdays. Teacher smile at them and grade them on the curve. They know the first names of the staff. They are the Pride of the Trojans. Oops – I mean Pride of the Blue Devils.In Universe #2, they throw parties wild enough to attract college students. They worship the stink of Eau de Jocque. They rent beach houses in Cancún during Spring Break and get group-rate abortions before prom.”

American writer of children’s and young adult novels

Laurie Halse Anderson is an American writer known for children’s and young adult novels. She is widely read for fiction that speaks directly to younger readers, and she has been recognized for her contribution to young adult literature. In 2010, the American Library Association gave her the Margaret A. Edwards Award, and in 2023 she received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Her work is associated with writing for young people and with the literary recognition that has followed it.