With starred reviews for all his books, and a laundry list of honors–Publishers Weekly Best Books; School Library Journal Best Books; New York Times Notable Children’s Book of 2009; NPR.org, Best Young Adult Fiction; Washington Post Best Kids’ Books; Horn Book Fanfare Book; and on and on–Francisco Stork has made an important contribution to YA in the last few years.
His novel “Marcelo in the Real World” opened up for readers the mysterious world of Asperger’s, and managed to make ethical and religious ruminations compelling, and his latest book, “Irises,” no less candidly explores the relationship between two very different sisters and the decisions they make about men and money in the wake of their father’s death.
His next novel will be about depression and suicide–but he is determined not to make it “depressing.” How is that possible? Well, he’s sharing his thoughts on that with us in an essay he offered to write just for YARN, “Depressed, Not Depressing.” He’s also sharing some deeply personal memories of his own struggles with depression, and how he has managed to write (and write beautifully, we might add!!) with that disease.
We are so honored and excited to be able to share his essay with you. It’s a must-read.
