Books
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
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