Lauren McLaughlin grew up in Wenham, Massachusetts, a small town outside of Boston. After college and a brief foray into anthropology, she spent ten years as a screenwriter and producer before turning her attention to novels. She is also the author of the YA novels Cycler, (Re)Cycler, and Scored, and the children’s picture book series Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective.
Praise for The Free
"A tight, claustrophobic novel that veers between the terror and
camaraderie of incarceration; I don't know when I've read a more
empathic novel, and it's been a long time since I read one
that was more sorrowful and joyful at the same time."
—Cory Doctorow, New York Times bestselling author
of Homeland
“A spellbinding novel about crime, taking responsibility, and
finding a new path to justice."
—Scott Westerfeld, New York Times bestselling author
of Uglies and Spill Zone
"A 16-year-old boy works to overcome a lifetime of obstacles in
this riveting YA novel about life in 'juvie.' Brilliant."
—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
"A Boston-area youth in juvenile detention finds redemption in
stories—his and his fellow inmates' . . . A penetrating look at the
power in the stories we tell ourselves."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Tightly woven, well-paced, emotionally framed, McLaughlin’s novel
presents Isaac’s life: his irresponsible mother; his wonderfully
brave younger sister; and what he is willing to do to provide
Janelle with a safe environment. He has broken some laws and done
some bad things, but he is the hero of this story."
—VOYA
"The story is cinematically gritty, sort of a cross
between Boys Town and Dead Poets Society, with
lots of enjoyably dramatic breakthroughs in the therapy group and
convincing details about racial and personal dynamics in detention
(mixed-race Isaac has no obvious crew)."
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Praise for Lauren McLaughlin
“Artfully fractured and wickedly smart, a brilliant screwball
comedy about love, self-knowledge and the secret identities inside
all of us.”
—Scott Westerfeld
“The sci-fi plot is so unique, so downright weird, it will keep the
pages turning.”
—Chicago Tribune
“This original contemporary fantasy will circulate widely, leaving
readers hoping that McLaughlin has many more such fresh, edgy books
already in the editorial pipeline.”
—Booklist
“A complex, philosophical exploration into gender politics and the
mutability of identity.”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
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