“I had the privilege to host Chris Baron at my bookstore and then to introduce him to teachers at High Tech Middle School where he did a presentation. Chris is a wonderful speaker who inspires students to read and write. He is funny, a master at his craft and so pleasant and genuine. Hosting Chris at any school or bookstore event is a treat!” — Marianne Reiner Owner of Run for Cover Bookstore
“Chris’s presentation helped students become better writers and me to become a stronger writing teacher! Students were inspired to write more and revise their writing after the presentation. Also, students love his book. So far I have heard, “It is such an amazing book” and “I stayed up all night to finish the book.” — Gina Wickstead, Middle School teacher, High Tech Middle
“This stunning novel in verse shows the impact of climate change and wildfires, and the struggle of living on the border between the forest and urban areas. … Baron balances the emotional weight of trauma by showing characters healing in a variety of ways. Returning wildlife serves as a promise of regrowth and possibility for a different kind of future. Beginning before the fires, continuing through evacuation, and including the season of rebuilding, Spark highlights the impact of wildfires alongside the importance of healing, all while nourishing the brightest spark of all, hope.” ― Booklist, starred review ★
“This powerhouse novel uses short and accessible prose to evoke fear, rage, and purpose in the face of wildfires. [R]eaders who want an empathetic and ultimately hopeful read will likely find both sorrow and inspiration in Spark.” — Shelf Awareness, starred review ★
“A quietly powerful, compassionate exploration of environmental loss, friendship, and activism. A standout verse novel that belongs in every middle grade collection.” — School Library Journal, starred review ★
“Baron’s verse novel successfully takes readers into Finn’s world, from daily life with family, friends, and school to their frantic escape from the “fires everywhere.” As the fires gather power, so do the poems―with active verbs, short lines, white space, and propulsive energy.” — The Horn Book
“A deftly woven and poignant story . . . of a family and a community grappling with the aftermath of a fire, and the activism of young people to protect what is closest to their hearts.” — Pam Muñoz Ryan, Newbery Honor–winning author of Echo
“Copious details about dangerous fire conditions, first responder efforts, and the characters navigating PTSD will leave readers informed, while empowering depictions of the protagonists’ activism will inspire hope that healing from disaster is possible.” — Publishers Weekly
“Its story and its characters are compelling (grown ups can enjoy it right along with their kids).” — USA Today
“Beautiful, special, magical.” — Colby Sharp, Bookalicious.com
“Highly recommended… Perfect for readers of Wonder and Erin Entrada Kelly’s Hello, Universe.” — Booklist magazine, starred review
“This story might remind you of the book Wonder.” — The Week Junior
“Musical, enchanting, powerful.” — Double the Books Magazine
“Baron captures both small personal moments and historical events by deploying the perfect detail, dialogue snippet or plot puzzle-piece at the perfect time.” — The San Diego Union Tribune
“If you have ever felt lost in the world, betrayed by your body or buoyed by a glimmer of hope or the glow of friendship, then All of Me could be your story, too.” — The Los Angeles Times
“All of Me is for anyone who has been in search of a tribe, in love with a friend or in need of answers to questions that they can’t bring themselves to ask. In other words, everybody.” — San Diego Union Tribune
“Astute and stunning. All of Me is highly recommended and offers an eloquent and often-heartbreaking glimpse into the experiences of a layered, complex and relatable protagonist. Readers will surely root for Ari as his story unfolds.” ― Jewish Book Council
“[A] beautifully written and psychologically acute debut. Readers will be glad to accompany Ari on his journey to self-discovery.” ― Booklist magazine
“Any reader who has felt like an outsider will be drawn to Ari’s story, which means his audience should be legion.” ― The Horn Book Magazine
“Baron’s free-verse poetry is immediate and lyrical, allowing us access to Ari’s thoughts and feelings in a way that prose would not. Baron’s first-person narration allows the reader to experience Ari’s pain and revelations, both of which are balanced with moments of grace and beauty….highly recommended for readers of all ages.” ― Bookpage
“A unique perspective on weight loss and family told in beautiful, pitch perfect verse.” ― Happily Ever Elephants Blog
“Tackling such difficult subjects as anti-Semitism, self-harm, and family instability with heart-breaking honesty and grace, All of Me deftly explores the complex layers of what it means to come of age. Baron’s evocative verse beautifully expresses the depth of Ari’s feelings; he will be a lifeline to anyone unsure of how they fit in the world.” ― Joy McCullogh, National Book Award nominated author of Blood Water Paint
