Jill Wolfson
Books for Kids and Teens

RAVES for COLD HANDS, WARM HEART

For more reviews and up-to-date news, check out Jill's Blog.

  • Kirkus Reviews, * Starred Review “Detailed, accurate descriptions of medical procedures are leavened with humor and sincerity, providing a powerful, multifaceted exploration of ethics, love and the celebration of life.” —Kirkus Reviews, * Starred Review
  • "Showing teens confronting unexpected emotions in both themselves and others, this novel is sure to please fans of realistic but gentle teen romance or medical stories." —Booklist
  • "The subject is immediately gripping, and the book is genuinely thoughtful… the emotional subject will likely grab readers looking for a melodramatic good time." —BCCB

What I Call LifeRAVES for WHAT I CALL LIFE

Available in hardback, paperback, and as a fabulous full-cast audio book at Full Cast Audio Books.

  • Booklist Top 10 First Novels for Youth 2005
  • “A grand-slam homerun … PERFECT TEN” —Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
  • “A treasure of quiet good humor and skillful story telling” —Booklist * Starred Review
  • “While the odd characters are interesting, it's the smart and unique voice that makes this story shine.” —Kirkus
  • “The author has a knack for vivid descriptions, suspenseful plotting, and a clear telling of the stories-within-the-story. A thoughtful and ultimately hopeful book, this novel has flashes of humor that lighten the sometimes painful events.” —School Library Journal
  • Junior Library Guild Selection
  • Maine Student Book Award Selection
  • “A novel for young readers about a child cast adrift in the foster-care system could take plenty of wrong turns. There's potential here for maudlin hand-wringing and the sort of angst that typifies too much young adult fiction. But author Jill Wolfson deftly negotiates all these potential pitfalls in delivering a warm and genuine first novel, What I Call Life.” —San Jose Mercury News
  • “This novel is a great read in its own right and a much-needed education in the cultural history of foster children—from Moses to the children next door.. One of the best books on the subject since The Great Gilly Hopkins. I loved it!” —Hicklebee's Book Store staff selection

RAVES for HOME, AND OTHER BIG, FAT LIES

  • IRA (International Reading Association) Children's Book Award Notable Book
  • Texas Lone Star Reading List Selection
  • Green Earth Book Award Honor Book, Newton Marasco Foundation
  • Santa Monica Library Green Award
  • Pennsylvania School Librarian Association, Young Reader’s Choice nominee
  • Kansas State Reading Circle
  • New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
  • “There is no preaching here, just honest to goodness situational humor perfect for starting a discussion on environmental topics. It might just encourage youth to find ways to stand out while fitting in.” —Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
  • “A sweet, spirited tale told with warmth and humor about a determined misfit who finds a home at last in a family and a community.” —Kirkus
  • “I would highly recommend this book to anyone who knows someone who is a foster child, someone who loves nature like me or anyone who likes a story about love (in this case love for family and nature)” —Student review, Stone Soup Magazine
  • “The protagonist's spunky voice will engage readers. Fans of Patricia Reilly Giff's Pictures of Hollis Woods will appreciate Whitney's independence and plucky spirit.” —School Library Journal