"Henry has become a leading light in YA mystery." - Booklist
"April Henry’s crime dramas are consistently smart and satisfying.” - Kirkus
"A must-have for YA mystery-thriller collections." - School Library Journal
"Legendary mystery author Henry is back at it again" - Barnes & Noble blog
"April Henry’s crime dramas are consistently smart and satisfying.” - Kirkus
"A must-have for YA mystery-thriller collections." - School Library Journal
"Legendary mystery author Henry is back at it again" - Barnes & Noble blog
Welcome to my little corner of the Internet. I'm a New York Times bestselling author who loves, Brazilian jujitsu, salty snacks, and all things scary.
I love to do school visits
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School visits are a great way to get students interested in reading and writing.
I love to visit schools and share with students the joys of reading, writing, and research. I also talk about the vital importance of tenacity. To learn more, check out my school visit page. I am excited to announce that I am now booking all my speaking engagements through TheBookingBiz.com. And the good folks at my publisher have put together a teacher's guide for my books (which can be used with Common Core state standards). You can get it here. |
Another great review for Run, Hide, Fight Back
When a Portland, Oregon, mall is attacked by multiple armed shooters, six teenagers end up hiding behind a store’s security shutter, and 17-year old Miranda, addicted to Oxy, finds herself their unlikely leader. Henry’s vivid portrayal of the all-too-relevant issue of active shooters will have many readers riveted—and sadly doubles as relevant training for possible steps to take to survive a shooting incident. Although character development is somewhat limited, with members of the large cast being primarily defined by their ethnicity, religion, substance abuse, or other “issue,” the swift pacing and short chapters (which supply a minute-by-minute chronology) create a breathless, suspenseful read. As the disparate group of teens struggles to evade, escape, and subdue the killers, bonds are formed. It is both believable and heartwarming to see characters move beyond prejudice in order to aid one another. A map of the mall precedes the text, providing context for the very specific action. The title alone will grab readers, and the content feels chillingly real.
—Booklist
—Booklist
The Girl in the White Van - due out May 12, 2020
I don't have a cover to share yet, but I do have a description for The Girl in the White Van, which publishes May 12, 2020.
When Savannah disappears soon after arguing with her mom’s boyfriend, everyone assumes she's run away. The truth is much worse. She’s been kidnapped by a man in a white van who locks her in an old trailer home, far from prying eyes. And worse yet, Savannah’s not alone: ten months earlier, Jenny met the same fate and nearly died trying to escape. Now as the two girls wonder if he will hold them captive forever or kill them, they must join forces to break out—even if it means they die trying.
When Savannah disappears soon after arguing with her mom’s boyfriend, everyone assumes she's run away. The truth is much worse. She’s been kidnapped by a man in a white van who locks her in an old trailer home, far from prying eyes. And worse yet, Savannah’s not alone: ten months earlier, Jenny met the same fate and nearly died trying to escape. Now as the two girls wonder if he will hold them captive forever or kill them, they must join forces to break out—even if it means they die trying.
Got my blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu!
I got my blue belt in BJJ!
Getting this blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu (which is like wrestling + choking + joint locks) represents the hardest I have ever worked for anything. It was harder than finding an agent. Harder than getting published. Even harder than labor. It took me nearly five years. At this rate, I’ll be a black belt at 75.
Until I found martial arts (first kajukenbo, then kung fu, then BJJ), I have never liked any sport. in fact, the only reason I didn’t have a 4.0 GPA in high school was because of Cs in PE. BJJ turned out to be my true love, even though in many classes I’m the only lady on the mat, and I’m almost always the oldest. I do not have youth, athleticism, energy, flexibility or strength on my side. About all I’ve got is stubbornness and the occasional flash of “Hell no.”
Getting this blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu (which is like wrestling + choking + joint locks) represents the hardest I have ever worked for anything. It was harder than finding an agent. Harder than getting published. Even harder than labor. It took me nearly five years. At this rate, I’ll be a black belt at 75.
Until I found martial arts (first kajukenbo, then kung fu, then BJJ), I have never liked any sport. in fact, the only reason I didn’t have a 4.0 GPA in high school was because of Cs in PE. BJJ turned out to be my true love, even though in many classes I’m the only lady on the mat, and I’m almost always the oldest. I do not have youth, athleticism, energy, flexibility or strength on my side. About all I’ve got is stubbornness and the occasional flash of “Hell no.”
First review for Run, Hide, Fight Back is amazing!
"The author brings to life modern-day teen concerns in this suspense-filled depiction of an active shooter situation. Through the perspectives of six main characters, the story touches on current issues for teens, including religion, drug use, immigration, cancer, guns, and families. Miranda, the main character, kicks off the story, shoplifting as the shooting at a Portland shopping mall begins. As the narrative evolves, so do the characters, and their relationships to one another. They set aside their differences as their common goal of survival brings them together. Well-done character development, even pacing, and the gripping premise will keep teens turning pages. VERDICT Purchase multiple copies of this timely thriller."
.--School Library Journal
.--School Library Journal
School visit in Chicago
School visit in Gresham, Oregon (and yes, I was wearing a jiu jitsu top and pants)
Texas Library Association in Austin
Research trip to Seattle for The Girl in the White Van (guess who it features?)
School visits in Hood River, Oregon
School visits in Missouri - spoke to nearly 5,000 students
Fan art from Crossler Middle School in Salem, Oregon
Teen Author Boot Camp in Provo, Utah
Emerald City Comic Con
School visits to Bloomingdale, Illinois
Nebraska Literacy Association- an adventure that included a blizzard!
Teen Book Fest by the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas
Student writing
I love to work on creative writing with students. Recently I met with middle and high school students from West Oso school district. We were working in just a 50-minute block. At one point they were given no more than ten minutes and told to use as many words as they could from a list that included crack, halt, honey and feet. Here are the beginnings of two of the stories I heard.
Tom stood up on his feet and looked out the window in wonder. Everything before the escape was a blur, but it was a miracle they were safe. Tom was starting to see the bigger picture. He was adrift in space with two other people he was sure were crazy. He saw the two said people, DeeDee and Emmett, sitting in their chairs and staring at him, their eyes filled with confusion and fear. Tom was about to say something but came to a halt, because he realized he had nothing to say. He looked out into the infinity of space. He started to feel sick to his stomach. “Look,” Tom said with a slight voice crack, “we’re probably the last humans in the universe, so let’s just take a minute to think about what just happened.”
—Isaac M.
The day Willa Rodriquez died, honey was dripping from my front door. It wasn’t a surprise. In my heart, I knew it was a miracle it didn’t happen sooner.
The decision wasn’t easy, but the darkness had begun to spread throughout Orion, a whisper plaguing my dreams: choose, choose, choose.
—Delia P.
Tom stood up on his feet and looked out the window in wonder. Everything before the escape was a blur, but it was a miracle they were safe. Tom was starting to see the bigger picture. He was adrift in space with two other people he was sure were crazy. He saw the two said people, DeeDee and Emmett, sitting in their chairs and staring at him, their eyes filled with confusion and fear. Tom was about to say something but came to a halt, because he realized he had nothing to say. He looked out into the infinity of space. He started to feel sick to his stomach. “Look,” Tom said with a slight voice crack, “we’re probably the last humans in the universe, so let’s just take a minute to think about what just happened.”
—Isaac M.
The day Willa Rodriquez died, honey was dripping from my front door. It wasn’t a surprise. In my heart, I knew it was a miracle it didn’t happen sooner.
The decision wasn’t easy, but the darkness had begun to spread throughout Orion, a whisper plaguing my dreams: choose, choose, choose.
—Delia P.
School visits in Beaverton, Oregon
Student - "I liked her stories . . . she's really cool."
Student - "I love her books, I can't believe she is really here!"
Student - "I knew I would like her because her books are the best!"
Student - "I have waited for this day to meet her for what seems like forever!"
7th grade teacher - "I love that she talked about the process of writing a story. We tell them all the time, but students will listen to her!"
8th grade teacher - "I have never seen a better adult presentation for teens!"
Book tour for The Lonely Dead
Two new books in the works!
Great reviews for The Lonely Dead from Booklist and School Library Journal
New York Times best-selling author Henry returns with a new mystery set in Portland, Oregon. Two days after a raucous house party at her childhood friend Tori’s house, high-schooler Adele stumbles on Tori’s body in a nearby park. For years, Adele has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, though she believes the truth is far more complicated: she can see the dead—not as hallucinations, but for real. As investigators try to solve Tori’s murder, so, too, does Adele—with the help of Tori, now a ghost whom she can see and speak with. The truth, though? Adele’s memory after the party is hazy. She doesn’t think it’s possible, but is there a chance the real murderer could be . . . her? And if it isn’t, who is the murderer? Henry’s latest offering is taut and suspenseful, with a hint of the supernatural. Her clear, lucid prose and well-paced action scenes make for a fast, accessible read with high appeal for both the middle- and high-school crowd. Hand to anyone in search of a page-turner. — Jennifer Barnes, Booklist
Gr 8 Up–Adele has lived all her life with a schizophrenic diagnosis. It runs in her family: her mom and grandmother both had it. The dead that she sees and speaks with can’t be real, right? So she believes until the day she sees her friend Tori hanging out in the forest near the tree where someone buried her. Adele informs the police of a body in the woods, and through a complicated turn of events, ends up as one of the prime suspects. Could she have done this to her own friend? She can’t remember. The chapters are in a sequential order with a date and a timestamp. The book is fairly fast-paced and set up quite a few people who could have committed the murder. A character aptly likens this mystery to Murder on the Orient Express. The thriller also touches upon the stigma of mental illness. When Adele stops taking her pills, feels better, and starts seeing the dead things again, she’s really not sure if she is fine or if she has schizophrenia like she’s been told her whole life. People she has known forever who know her diagnosis are also mistrustful of her, which adds an interesting element to the plot. [does she go back to her medication, though?] VERDICT A great addition to libraries looking for more murder mystery for teens.–Kristin Joy Anderson, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL, School Library Journal
Gr 8 Up–Adele has lived all her life with a schizophrenic diagnosis. It runs in her family: her mom and grandmother both had it. The dead that she sees and speaks with can’t be real, right? So she believes until the day she sees her friend Tori hanging out in the forest near the tree where someone buried her. Adele informs the police of a body in the woods, and through a complicated turn of events, ends up as one of the prime suspects. Could she have done this to her own friend? She can’t remember. The chapters are in a sequential order with a date and a timestamp. The book is fairly fast-paced and set up quite a few people who could have committed the murder. A character aptly likens this mystery to Murder on the Orient Express. The thriller also touches upon the stigma of mental illness. When Adele stops taking her pills, feels better, and starts seeing the dead things again, she’s really not sure if she is fine or if she has schizophrenia like she’s been told her whole life. People she has known forever who know her diagnosis are also mistrustful of her, which adds an interesting element to the plot. [does she go back to her medication, though?] VERDICT A great addition to libraries looking for more murder mystery for teens.–Kristin Joy Anderson, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL, School Library Journal
Shoebox dioramas in Virginia! (each relates to a different book)
School visits in Virigina and keynoting VaASL (Virigina Association of School Librarians Conference
NCTE/ALAN (conferences for English teachers) in Houston
School visits in Houston, Texas
School visits in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois
Excerpts from letters from students in Omaha
- “Feel free to use my name as the character who gets in trouble.”
- “I hope can be one of your characters one day, and it’s ok if you have to kill me off, or if you don’t, that’s okay, too.”
- “If you ever need a name for a psychopath, you can always use mine.”
- “Can you add me as one of the characters who die in your next book?”
- “I’m not the biggest fan of reading but I’m flying through this book [The Girl I Used to Be].”
- "I honestly didn’t know a writer could be so funny and cool. Usually I view a writer as someone who drinks coffee and listens to jazz or something.”
- “I really enjoyed your family background stories. They inspired me to go home and look up my family. Of course it wasn’t as interesting as yours, but I still found some cool facts.”
- “I didn’t pay attention at first but then I started to pay attention.”
- “I’m grateful for you telling us the perfect place to hide the body!”
- “Even though you were there to talk about writing, your message and story about never giving up and having hope for the good things to come gave me inspiration since I’m in a situation right now that requires patience, hope and everlasting trying.”
- “When you were up there on the stage, you were so calm and chill, not even a sweat, you were not even nervous!”
- “Thank you so much for coming and talking to us. It was so much better than reading Romeo and Juliet.”
School visits in Omaha, Nebraska
High praise for The Lonely Dead
The Lonely Dead isn't out until January 29, 2019, but it's already gotten an amazing review. Kirkus says:
For most of her life, Adele has been told that her visions are a result of schizophrenia. But what's the truth? When Adele sees her friend Tori in the woods as she's cutting through the park on her way home, she's confused. Why would Tori be out there in the November cold wearing a halter dress? Adele realizes that, after not taking the pills for her schizophrenia, the visions that used to haunt her before her diagnosis are back. Tori isn't real. After noticing a mound of fresh dirt with a toe sticking out—and a few minutes of digging—Adele finds Tori's body. Although Tori is dead, Adele can see her, just as she can see all the dead, just like her mother and grandmother before her could. But can she use her power to solve the mystery of Tori's murder before the killer strikes again? Henry (Count All Her Bones, 2017, etc.) delivers a compelling thriller that weaves supernatural elements into a topical tapestry of loss, betrayal, and family drama. In an interesting twist, Adele, who can't remember much from the last time she saw Tori, becomes a prime suspect and even doubts her own innocence. This book is set against a high school backdrop with mostly white characters (one African-American friend is introduced, relating Tori's racist behavior). A thriller that manages to be both creepy and fun. |
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Taking my Brazilian jiujitsu on the road
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I love to do Brazilian jujitsu (think wrestling plus chokes plus joint locks) and try to roll at a local school whenever I do school visits. Every school has its own special way of doing things - and with luck I can pick up a trick or two to try at my regular schools in Portland.
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The things I do for research!
Now certified in Wilderness Medicine
I spent 16 hours this weekend learning how to deal with cuts (all the way up to amputations), sprains, broken bones, heat illness, dislocations, burns, frostbite, spinal injuries, head injuries... all complete with moaning (or eerily silent) patients complete with fake blood and bruises. I am now certified in Wilderness Medicine. (I'm also exhausted!) It's going to make the book I'm writing in the next six months so much better!
Want a personalized, signed book?
Want a signed, personalized copy of one of my books? Contact my neighborhood book store, Annie Bloom's Books at 503-246-0053, and tell them what you want - signature only or a personalized greeting to a particular person. They will contact me and I will come in to sign them.
Best Note Ever from a Middle School Teacher
Just wanted to let you know for a 3rd year in a row you are making my life easy – and creating a bunch of new readers. I am still lucky enough to teach an advanced reading class along with my Intensive class and across the board your books are the motivators. Here is one of the book projects done by one of my 7th graders! I can’t keep enough copies of your books on my shelf. |
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