Available now: my new YA novel, Permanent Record (Skyscape, 2013). In post-9/11 America, a bullied Muslim teenager retaliates against his tormentors—with dangerous results.
Praise for Permanent Record
Selected as the 2014-15 teen title for the
Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year
Selected by Library Services for Youth in Custody for their 2014 “In the Margins” Book Award list
*STARRED REVIEW* “Badi’s sardonic narrative makes the novel crackle. Behind his nervous distrust of the world is a burgeoning resilience, depth of character, and commitment to battling injustice.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Terrific…An appealing portrait of adolescent angst and rebellion.”—Cleveland Plain Dealer
“…an edgy, discomfiting attack on post-9/11 nerves and prejudices.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Stella [has] constructed a sympathetic character who is whole, who is real, and who has many facets, that recognizes the interplay between such things as mental health, outsider status, and bullying. Permanent Record is one of my Favorite Books Read in 2013; and those who love The Perks of Being a Wallflower will also love this story of an outsider trying to find his way in the world.” —School Library Journal review blog, Liz Burns, “A Chair, a Fireplace, and a Tea Cozy”
*STARRED REVIEW* “Podehl’s reading of this dark and emotionally complex novel is laudable, convincing, and flawless. … Listeners are readily able to relish escalating moments of tension, right up to the dramatic conclusion in this extremely compelling production.” —Booklist multimedia reviews
*STARRED REVIEW* “Nick Podehl’s narration is masterful … The novel is a must-have for all school or public libraries.” —School Library Journal multimedia reviews
“Smart, funny, and psychologically complex. Leslie Stella is a brilliant writer, and her debut as a writer-for-teens is a dazzling achievement.” –Julianna Baggott, New York Times bestselling author of PURE
“I tore through this book, couldn’t put it down… What I adored is that it didn’t tone down the abuse that Badi suffered at his first school. I thought it was a really well-written and thought-out book, and would not have any hesitation recommending it to older teens.”—Teen Librarian’s Toolbox.com
“Damn, this book was one hell of a roller coaster ride. Realistic characterization and wonderfully written internal monologue … complex … distinct among YA heroes. This book is a gem.” —The Social Potato Reviews.com
“It was probably the most real book I have ever read. The cast of characters was phenomenal… Badi Hessamizadeh, AKA ‘Bud Hess,’ might be just my favorite male narrator ever.”—Readers in Wonderland.com
“A poignant and compelling tale of a unique high school outcast, told in a searing and memorable voice.” –David Klass, author of YOU DON’T KNOW ME
