Nothing but the Truth (and a few white lies) Reviews

**Asian Pacific American Award for Youth Literature in 2007 *The International Reading Association Notable Book *NYPL Book for the Teen Age *Chicago Public Library Best of the Best *Borders Original Voices nominee *Book Sense summer

"Headley makes an impressive debut with this witty, intimate novel... lively, first-person narrative punctuated with creative word play…. "
— Publishers Weekly *starred* review

"Great voice from a very promising debut."
— Kirkus

"In her debut novel, Headley brilliantly captures the identity confusion that a biracial person can feel."
— Borders Original Voices Feature, April 2006 Pick

"… funny and thoughtful…Headley’s voice is a new and much-needed one that shows great promise."
— School Library Journal

"I was very impressed ... Nothing but the Truth is a witty family drama wrapped up in a lot of questions about identity, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Headley has another young adult title due out next year and certainly is a writer to watch."
— Bookslut.com

"Fans of rapier-wit heroines like Georgia Nicolson will lap up Patty's glib humor and lively narration, which infuse the story with energy...The book should enjoy wide appeal."
— VOYA

"Teen readers will love Patty’s voice in this funny, poignant novel."
— Booksense Summer 2006 Pick

"Truth: Justina Chen Headley is amazing. Patty Ho is a masterpiece… real, fresh, and full of life, not to mention a good dose of sarcasm and wit. Truth: It's a hit. Go out and read "Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies)", and see for yourself
— Bookmobile.cjb.net

"In a wisecracking, first-person narrative…Patty’s contemporary, immediate thoughts… have universal resonance…."
— Booklist

"Justina Chen Headley has created an amazing piece of art…. Headley's sense of humor and skillful use of realistic characters will pull readers into the pages…. Very highly recommended!"
— Teenreads.com

“If only there were books like this when I was growing up!” Such was the common phrase bandied about the Audrey editorial office when Justina Chen Headley’s young adult novel Nothing but the Truth (and a Few White Lies) landed on our desks."
— Audrey Magazine

"… bright, surprising, and both moved me to tears and made me laugh out loud. This is Chen Headley's first novel. I wait with bated breath for her second."
— Bookreporter.com

"… I like to choose my books the way I would choose my friends – one that I can relate to, that’s interesting, with layers of personality, and every so often might just kick me in my heart. This happened while I was reading…Nothing But the Truth (and a fe
— Youth Outlook

"NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH is a great read for anyone who has ever had trouble discovering their identity, or for someone looking to find out how it feels to be different. A real winner!"
— Teenreadstoo.com

"Nothing But the Truth is a sweet, feel good coming of age story, about a young woman who feels an outsider in her family and her life, but learns how valued she has always been."
— Bookloons.com

The Patch Reviews

The Patch was named an NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People (Selector's Choice), and a CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center) Choice for picture books.

"A well-paced, reassuring offering on an unusual topic, and the bright, cheerful, scribbly drawings of twirling, high-spirited Becca and her friends reinforce the messages of normalcy and acceptance."
— Booklist

"A lovely and surprising story that will certainly be enjoyed as a read-aloud."
— School Library Journal

"The Patch is about the power of imagination to turn a setback into something positive. Becca's creativity and intelligence make her an appealing character."
— Bookloons

Girl Overboard Reviews

"Headley crafts a tale that will stand out in the crowd by offering a good dose of girl power and an intriguing family backstory."  Read more here. 

"Headley improves upon the tired 'little-rich girl' story using lucid language and a convincing, feisty narrator."

"Justina Chen Headley, through Syrah, is showing teenage girls that they have a right to define themselves on their own strengths and to be amazing on their own terms. This message, [is] delivered with a fast-paced and complex plot, multi-dimensional char
— Jen Robinson, jkrbooks.typepad.com

"The writing is smart and the characters have depth... This book is a good choice for smart, teen girls' fiction."
— --VOYA

One of my favorite reviews so far... "This book makes you question the type of person you are. You're a better person after reading it."
— --Strasburg High School Teen Council