Dear Medusa

Two starred reviews • NYPL Top Ten Teen Books of the year • SLJ Best Book of the Year • Bank Street Best Book of the Year • YALSA Top Ten Title • ALA Rainbow List title • TAYSHAS Reading List Top Ten • LA Times Book Prize Finalist • Florida Teen Reads List

“This novel focuses less on re-examining the Medusa myth and more on channeling the archetypal energies of Medusa’s story, exploring how victims are commonly cast out and what it takes for them to reclaim their power. Dear Medusa is a heavy read, but a necessary one.” —The New York Times

★ “Emotionally raw verse critically portrays one teenager’s experience dealing with the aftermath of assault, and provides a sharp look into cultures built on oppressing survivors’ voices….both vulnerable and fierce, Cole boldly examines agency, bodily autonomy, and internalized misogyny.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ “Cole’s prose is beautiful, thought-provoking, and filled with emotion….This novel is one that readers won’t put down willingly.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Dazzling with clarity, blistering with anger….In shimmering verse, Cole breathes life into each young woman….This book is as wide in scope as it is economical in its language. Illuminating.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Cole’s novel in verse is a raw and uncompromising view into the sexualization of young women. She peels back the layers of Alicia’s trauma, fully immersing us in a world where we are cradled in Alicia’s pain and then her subtle pinpricks of joy.”
—Booklist

“Racial and cultural awareness…and the highlighting of multiple forms of sexuality and the power of women supporting women help broaden the story’s scope.”
—Horn Book Review

“A #MeToo novel-in-verse that tackles purity culture, slut-shaming, and female rage all while honoring survivors with a plot that centers the healing journey of the main character. This book is brutal and ugly in its truth, but gentle and gorgeous in its embodiment of hope.”
—Ashley Woodfolk, New York Times Book Review “20 Great Queer YA books to Add to Your Reading List”

“Dear Medusa is a searing read, both emotional and so, so smart. Olivia A. Cole takes on questions of systemic sexism and racism in masterful verse—you ache alongside her characters as they learn to speak the language of justice. Dear reader: get ready to have your heart beautifully broken.”
—Brittany Cavallaro, New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Charlotte

“Furious and gorgeous and raw—an unflinching exploration not only of a teenage girl’s anger and grief but her capacity for love and joy….Alicia’s voice will not turn you to stone; it will sink its teeth into you and not let go.”—Nina Varela, author of the Crier’s War duology

Olivia A. Cole is a writer from Louisville, Kentucky whose essays have been published by Bitch Media, Real Simple, the Los Angeles Times, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Gay Mag, and more. Olivia is the author of several books for children and adults.

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