And We Stay

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, November 15, 2013:
“Teasing out strands of the past and the present, Hubbard masterfully twines together a story of one girl’s journey to self-identity…As graceful as a feather drifting down, this lyrical story delivers a deep journey of healing on a tragic theme.”

Starred Review, Booklist, November 15, 2013:
“This novel is accomplished, polished, and mixes prose and and poetry to stunning effect…Hubbard’s narrative tone will only  make readers want to lean in closer.”

Starred Review, School Library Journal, January 2014:
“A little gem of a book…Despite the heavy topics, the book feels sweet and poetic and never gratuitous. Budding poets may particularly appreciate Emily’s story, but there is certainly something for anyone looking for a good read with a strong, believable female lead who is working her hardest to overcome tragedy.”

Publishers Weekly, October 21, 2013:
“Hubbard’s writing is elegant and emotional…Mature readers who enjoy a bit of melancholy and might spark to Dickinson will be in good company on Emily’s journey.”

BookPage, February 2014:
“Hubbard is an accomplished poet as well as a novelist, and Emily Beam’s poems are remarkably good. Writing these poems leads Emily out of the darkness of a New England winter and into a fragile spring—out of tragedy and into something resembling hope.”

Shelf Awareness, February 21, 2014:
“Most poetry comes from a place of deep emotion. That’s certainly true for Emily Beam, Jennifer Hubbard’s (Paper Covers Rock) sympathetic protagonist in And We Stay… Hubbard convincingly integrates Emily Beam’s poems alongside her recollections of Paul and her life before boarding school.”

VOYA, December 2013:
“[Hubbard] captures perfectly the turbulence of young love, the bonds of friendship, and the push-and-pull dynamic between teens and adults…Definitely recommend this book to your introspective patrons who relish romantic tragedy, poetry, and intricate relationships among girls and their boyfriends, friends, and teachers.”

TeenReads.com, January 22, 2014:
“This book is truly beautiful both inside and out. Within the story, Hubbard elegantly navigates the prose of Emily’s life combined with the many poems Emily writes to cope with the misfortunes that have befallen her…The way Hubbard writes AND WE STAY is both attractive and exquisite.”