Books

South of Somewhere

When FBI agents swarm twelve-year-old Mavis Callahan's downtown Chicago home, her mom goes on the run. With the family’s house and bank accounts seized, Mavis’s dad takes her and her siblings to seek refuge with his sister just south of rural Somewhere, Illinois—a far cry from the big city lifestyle Mavis is used to. As Mavis grapples with her sudden turn in fortune, she learns to make new friends and starts a babysitting business to bring in some much-needed cash for the family.

But she can’t help but wonder—is her mom truly guilty? And if not, why has she gone into hiding, contacting Mavis only through a series of postcards from exotic locales? Mavis isn’t sure if she’s ready for the truth, but she’ll do anything to find it.

Praise for South of Somewhere

"Complex, fully defined characters...take what could have been a standard riches-to-rags story and turn it into a thoughtful exploration of class, love, and relationships." —Kirkus Reviews Starred Review

"A charming entry in the crowded middle grade contemporary field." —School Library Journal

"Miller writes a heartfelt and warm book about the importance of family and community, and her flawed adult characters allow for interesting character development from the children." —Booklist

Shannon in the Spotlight

Shannon is hesitant to audition for the summer musical. As a twelve-year-old with OCD, she depends on routine. But when the director encourages her to audition, Shannon discovers that center stage is the one place where she doesn’t feel anxious. She lands a lead role, and everyone in her life is ecstatic . . . except her best friend, Elise.

To make matters worse, Shannon’s eccentric and opinionated grandmother moves in with her and her mom after a fluke house fire. As opening night approaches, Shannon feels pressure to save her friendship with Elise, to make Mom and Grandma Ruby act like grown-ups, and to follow the old theater adage: the show must go on.

Praise for Shannon in the Spotlight

Winner of the 2023 Minnesota Book Award for Middle Grade Literature

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

"Offers readers a positive role model for living with mental illness." —Kirkus Reviews

"Miller spins a winning story that offers an insightful introduction to OCD. It’s an inspiration and joy to watch [Shannon] step into the spotlight and let her voice truly be heard."—Booklist

"[A] delicately realized novel."—Publishers Weekly

“A tender and heartfelt story of family, friendship, and identity. Readers will root for Shannon as she finds herself on and off the stage.”―Christina Li

"Shannon in the Spotlight is the most authentic, beautifully-drawn book about a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder I've ever read. Kalena Miller nails all the parts of middle school―the good, the bad, and the triumphant." ―Carrie Firestone

"A heartprint story of resilience, friendship, and family. Shannon in the Spotlight embraces the power of honesty and the idea that anxiety neither defines nor limits us on stage or in life." ―Elly Swartz

The Night When No One Had Sex

It's the night of senior prom, and eighteen-year-old Julia has made a pact with her friends. (Yes, that kind of pact.) They have secured a secluded cabin in the woods, one night without parental supervision, and plenty of condoms. But as soon as they leave the dance, the pact begins to unravel.

Alternating between each character’s perspective and their ridiculous group chat, The Night When No One Had Sex finds a group of friends navigating the tenuous transition into adulthood and embracing the uncertainty of life after high school.

Praise for The Night When No One Had Sex

Winner of the 2021 Minnesota Book Award for Young Adult Literature

"Told via multiple points of view and a hilarious group chat, this atypical prom tale is humorous and dramatic in equal parts. A fun read, perfect for anyone who is (or has ever been) a teen."―Booklist

"Mature teen readers will be charmed by this coming-of-age story that explores relationships and personal growth as much as the mechanics of sexuality." ―School Library Journal

"This engaging madcap comedy is refreshingly frank in its discussion of sex...a witty, honest debut that shines a light on some very real issues." ―Kirkus Reviews

"Laugh-out-loud funny, open-hearted and open-minded, Miller's novel is a celebration of friendship and love, messy as those things are. I guarantee, this book will leave you smiling." ―E. Lockhart