Sarah Dessen Books

Sarah Dessen is the author of six young adult fiction novels. Her first novel, THAT SUMMER, was published in 1998; and her current work-in-progress, JUST LISTEN, is scheduled to be released on April 20, 2006. Below is the bibliographical information and a brief summary (taken from Hamilton East Public Library's TeenZone Update) for each book.      Sarah's earlier books have been reissued with new book covers. The original covers are pictured, but the new ones can be viewed by moving the mouse over the picture. Additionally, clicking on a book cover will take you to Amazon.com where you can read reviews and/or purchase the book.

Dessen, Sarah. 1998. THAT SUMMER. New York: Puffin. ISBN: 0140386882

During the summer of her divorced father’s remarriage and her sister’s wedding, fifteen-year-old Haven comes into her own by letting go of the myths of the past.

Dessen, Sarah. 1998. SOMEONE LIKE YOU. New York: Viking. ISBN: 0670877786

Halley’s junior year of high school includes the death of her best friend Scarlett’s boyfriend, the discovery that Scarlett is pregnant, and Halley’s own first serious relationship.

Dessen, Sarah. 1999. KEEPING THE MOON. New York: Viking. ISBN: 0670885495

Fifteen-year-old Colie, a former fat girl, spends the summer working as a waitress in a beachside restaurant, staying with her overweight and eccentric Aunt Mira, and trying to explore her sense of self.

Dessen, Sarah. 2000. DREAMLAND. New York: Viking. ISBN: 0670891223.

After her older sister runs away, sixteen-year-old Caitlin decides that she needs to make a major change in her own life and begins an abusive relationship with a boy who is mysterious, brilliant, and dangerous.

Dessen, Sarah. 2002. THIS LULLABY. New York: Viking. ISBN: 0670035300

Raised by a mother who’s had five husbands, eighteen-year-old Remy believes in short-term, no-commitment relationships until she meets Dexter, a rock star musician.

Dessen, Sarah. 2004. THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER. New York: Viking. ISBN: 0670036390

The summer following her father’s death, Macy plans to work at the library and wait for her brainy boyfriend to return from camp, but instead she goes to work at a catering business where she makes new friends and finally faces her grief.

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Mary Buckalo TWU LS 5903