"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. |
School visits in Sterling, Virginia
School visits in St. Louis, Missouri
Article in my hometown paper, the Medford Mail Tribune
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For April Henry to write her 24th mystery-thriller novel, she said three things had to happen: Her father, Jackson County Commissioner Hank Henry had to be stalked by gun nuts, the economy had to be awful when she graduated college in 1982, and mass shootings had to become a familiar nightmare in American society.
Her new book, “Run, Hide and Fight Back,” published by Macmillan/Henry Holt, explores the thoughts and actions of six teenagers who find themselves trapped in a mall while a trio of terrorist-bombers hunt them — after blowing away everyone in sight with assault weapons.
Henry, 60, said she experienced terrorism when her father, a former KTVL anchor-news director, served in the 1980s on the county Board of Commissioners and got death threats from the then-notorious Posse Comitatus. They believed no government above sheriff had any authority over them, says Henry.
“They threatened him on the phone, saying they were coming to kill him,” Henry said. “My dad talked about buying a gun. I was shocked. He was a gentle, loving man, and it was like he said he was getting a kangaroo. It just wasn’t him.”
In schooling herself for writing about terrorism, Henry, studied the Posse Comitatus, The Order (a violent white-supremacist group in the ’80s), Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, and a 2013 terrorist attack on a mall in Kenya that killed 71.
About her new book, Henry says, “It can feel frighteningly real now that random mass shootings are becoming commonplace in America. But I started the book in 2013, after the terrorist attack on the Kenyan mall. The 2015 Paris terrorist attacks made me think even more about what I would do in such a terrible situation. Then I gave that problem to six teens. When domestic right-wing terrorists kill shoppers and then take more hostages, the teens end up hiding in a storeroom. They must decide whether to run, hide or fight back. Spoiler alert: they do all three. Think of it as ‘Die Hard’ meets ‘Breakfast Club.’”
Asked if, after her research, she has any advice for us if caught in a mass shooting, Henry says “Follow the title of the book — run, hide, fight back, in that order. That line is from a Texas Homeland Security video, which shows a real workplace and is very scary. Make yourself a difficult target, shove things in front of a door. It might be enough to save you and make them move on. If you have a phone, of course, call 911. If it’s bad reception, text someone and tell them to call 911.
“Be aware of your environment. Register where exits are, also windows. If you have a weapon, know it can be turned on you. They are ready to hurt you. So it’s better to try and find a way out.”
In her research, Henry brainstormed with a range of security experts, mall managers, got a blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and even hung out at malls, noticing procedures around doors and locks. But she didn’t want to interview survivors of mass shootings.
“I don’t know if I could ask someone to recount that. Like, I couldn’t interview a rape survivor. What are you going to say to them, ‘How was that?’ I just read about it, that’s all.”
In researching leaders of terrorist attacks and their manifestos, she came away feeling they were all intelligent, but deluded about reality. McVeigh thought his bombing would trigger a revolution, but “what they want to happen doesn’t make much sense. In my book, they had a charismatic leader, but what did McVeigh or my characters accomplish? Just killed a lot of people.”
In forging her plot, Henry wanted to avoid the oft-used fallback of Islamic terrorists, so, in a twist — a twist is always desirable in mysteries — they’re domestic bad guys, creating a diversion to draw police while they heist a gold-laden truck. This device she “borrowed” from a 2016 heist of $4.8 million in Florida and includes their use of remotely triggered pepper-spray launchers to disable drivers.
Not just her novels but life itself has unpredictable twists, and for Henry, it was the big recession just as she graduated in 1982 from Oregon State University with a degree in business and minor in labor relations. There were few jobs, and her try at labor relations left her with an impression it was “guys yelling at each other in smoke-filled rooms.”
As a result, she took a job as a hospital receptionist during the quiet swing-shift hours and, with little to do, she started writing novels, horrible at first, she says, but by the fourth book, her agent finally sold it.
From then on, she’s sold well. Her favorite is “Girl Stolen,” about a blind girl who happened to be in her mother’s car when it was stolen. Another is “The Girl I Used to Be,” which was up for an Edgar Award, “the coolest of awards for mysteries, judged by other mystery writers.” It’s about the revenge planned by a woman for the killers of her parents when she was a toddler.
Her new book, “Run, Hide and Fight Back,” published by Macmillan/Henry Holt, explores the thoughts and actions of six teenagers who find themselves trapped in a mall while a trio of terrorist-bombers hunt them — after blowing away everyone in sight with assault weapons.
Henry, 60, said she experienced terrorism when her father, a former KTVL anchor-news director, served in the 1980s on the county Board of Commissioners and got death threats from the then-notorious Posse Comitatus. They believed no government above sheriff had any authority over them, says Henry.
“They threatened him on the phone, saying they were coming to kill him,” Henry said. “My dad talked about buying a gun. I was shocked. He was a gentle, loving man, and it was like he said he was getting a kangaroo. It just wasn’t him.”
In schooling herself for writing about terrorism, Henry, studied the Posse Comitatus, The Order (a violent white-supremacist group in the ’80s), Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, and a 2013 terrorist attack on a mall in Kenya that killed 71.
About her new book, Henry says, “It can feel frighteningly real now that random mass shootings are becoming commonplace in America. But I started the book in 2013, after the terrorist attack on the Kenyan mall. The 2015 Paris terrorist attacks made me think even more about what I would do in such a terrible situation. Then I gave that problem to six teens. When domestic right-wing terrorists kill shoppers and then take more hostages, the teens end up hiding in a storeroom. They must decide whether to run, hide or fight back. Spoiler alert: they do all three. Think of it as ‘Die Hard’ meets ‘Breakfast Club.’”
Asked if, after her research, she has any advice for us if caught in a mass shooting, Henry says “Follow the title of the book — run, hide, fight back, in that order. That line is from a Texas Homeland Security video, which shows a real workplace and is very scary. Make yourself a difficult target, shove things in front of a door. It might be enough to save you and make them move on. If you have a phone, of course, call 911. If it’s bad reception, text someone and tell them to call 911.
“Be aware of your environment. Register where exits are, also windows. If you have a weapon, know it can be turned on you. They are ready to hurt you. So it’s better to try and find a way out.”
In her research, Henry brainstormed with a range of security experts, mall managers, got a blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and even hung out at malls, noticing procedures around doors and locks. But she didn’t want to interview survivors of mass shootings.
“I don’t know if I could ask someone to recount that. Like, I couldn’t interview a rape survivor. What are you going to say to them, ‘How was that?’ I just read about it, that’s all.”
In researching leaders of terrorist attacks and their manifestos, she came away feeling they were all intelligent, but deluded about reality. McVeigh thought his bombing would trigger a revolution, but “what they want to happen doesn’t make much sense. In my book, they had a charismatic leader, but what did McVeigh or my characters accomplish? Just killed a lot of people.”
In forging her plot, Henry wanted to avoid the oft-used fallback of Islamic terrorists, so, in a twist — a twist is always desirable in mysteries — they’re domestic bad guys, creating a diversion to draw police while they heist a gold-laden truck. This device she “borrowed” from a 2016 heist of $4.8 million in Florida and includes their use of remotely triggered pepper-spray launchers to disable drivers.
Not just her novels but life itself has unpredictable twists, and for Henry, it was the big recession just as she graduated in 1982 from Oregon State University with a degree in business and minor in labor relations. There were few jobs, and her try at labor relations left her with an impression it was “guys yelling at each other in smoke-filled rooms.”
As a result, she took a job as a hospital receptionist during the quiet swing-shift hours and, with little to do, she started writing novels, horrible at first, she says, but by the fourth book, her agent finally sold it.
From then on, she’s sold well. Her favorite is “Girl Stolen,” about a blind girl who happened to be in her mother’s car when it was stolen. Another is “The Girl I Used to Be,” which was up for an Edgar Award, “the coolest of awards for mysteries, judged by other mystery writers.” It’s about the revenge planned by a woman for the killers of her parents when she was a toddler.
First school visits of the year - in the Houston area
Hanging out with forensic scientists to get new book ideas
I spent the last week in August at the the annual meeting of the Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists. My favorite part was getting to meet CeCe Moore, a self-taught genetic genealogist. When DNA testing became more widely available, she started helping adoptees find their birth families. Then she began to wonder if those same skills could be put to use identifying unclaimed/unknown bodies (mostly murder victims - and spoiler alert, they could). Then she began to think about cold case DNA. Her techniques have led to the arrest of the Golden State Killer, as well as solved more than 160 other unsolved crimes.
As someone who has been doing genetic genealogy for six years (ever since my mom died) I found her fascinating. In a room filled with scientists, I asked the most questions.
I also got to attend classes on fingerprints (faking them as well as using pictures of hands to identify killers, pedophiles and drug sellers) and document examination. I'm sure the things I learned will end up in my books!
As someone who has been doing genetic genealogy for six years (ever since my mom died) I found her fascinating. In a room filled with scientists, I asked the most questions.
I also got to attend classes on fingerprints (faking them as well as using pictures of hands to identify killers, pedophiles and drug sellers) and document examination. I'm sure the things I learned will end up in my books!
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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)
Research trip to Seattle for The Girl in the White Van (guess who it features?)
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.
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!
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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