Reviews Picture Gallery Discussion Guide
Connecticut Nutmeg Book Award Finalist 2017
Sakura Medal Finalist 2016
German Children’s Literature Award Finalist 2016
Georgia Peach Book Award Finalist 2015-2016
New Mexico Book Award (LOE) Finalist 2015-2016
2014 ABC Best Books for Children Selection
School Library Journal Starred Review
VOYA’s Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers 2014
Spring 2014 Indies Introduce New Voices Selection
Spring 2014 Kids’ Indie Next Pick
“Lucier’s vividly accurate description of the 1918 pandemic will make readers tremble over the teen’s fate, wondering whether she will be next on the list of victims…In the same vein as Laurie Halse Anderson’s Fever 1793, Lucier’s debut deserves a place in all high school collections.”—School Library Journal (starred review)
“…(F)inely crafted and poignant…This is an engrossing novel which will keep readers on the edge of their seats.” —Library Media Connection (starred review)
“Highly sympathetic characters, a solid sense of place, and the transformation of a city under siege by an invisible assailant result in a powerful and disturbing reading experience.”—Publishers Weekly
“Lucier has done her research, creating a compelling work of historical fiction alongside a more timeless journey of self-discovery….(T)his is for a lover of Anderson’s Fever, 1793 or general historical fiction fans who appreciate a touch of romance with their world events.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“The setting of this novel, with meticulous but unobtrusive details, is remarkably realized. It’s a rare window into another time and place, one that invites readers to draw parallels to their own lives in contemporary times. Readers who like plucky heroines, coming-of-age stories, and historical fiction should enjoy this promising debut.—Horn Book
“…(S)he expertly weaves in historical details…Readers will be swept up in the story as Cleo builds friendships and manages to find hope amid disease and death. A notable debut.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Lovers of historical fiction, as well as those new to the genre, will love the rich details and the engaging, believable characters.”—VOYA
“A moving, immersive story about one girl’s search for her own sense of extraordinary.”—Historical Novel Society
“…(E)motional, smart, and horrifying…a beautifully written novel.”—MissLiterati.com
“Challenging readers to think critically about what each of us would be willing to endure when the people around us are dying, A Death-Struck Year is an incredibly well-researched and amazingly written account of an event in American History that is often marginalized. It offers a compelling story of a young girl who doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life, but is willing to step up during a desperate hour.”—Sara Hines, Eight Cousins Bookstore, Falmouth, MA
“…(A) beautifully written book that portrays the life of one ordinary teenager, who finds out that she is anything but.” —Christy, Goodreads
“The overwhelming urge to reach for my hand sanitizer every few minutes was inevitable when reading this book…an impressive debut by Makiia Lucier.”—KT, Goodreads