The Worst Perfect Moment

Plozza strikes an expert balance between poignancy and irreverence, tackling topics such as death, parental abandonment, and self-worth in this queer romantic comedy that’s as tender as a bruise. Publishers Weekly

A fresh take on a possible afterlife, this narrative is filled with depth and wit, despite its dark tone. Its realistic depiction of a girl’s reservoir of coping mechanisms for dealing with those who have let her down is exceptionally well written… A worthy read about a short life brimming with possibility. Kirkus Reviews

This immersive novel hooks readers from the first page with its irreverent tone, cheeky romance, and Tegan’s growing understanding of what truly matters in life and afterlife. The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

By combining childhood heartache, teenage angst, and queer romance, Plozza balances out the exuberance of being alive and the devastation that Tegan only feels after she’s gone. A take on life after death that will leave readers entranced, frustrated, and on the edge of their seats. Booklist

Shivaun Plozza’s critically acclaimed debut novel, Frankie, was nominated to ALA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults List, highly commended at the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, and won the Davitt Award for best YA crime novel. Her second novel, Tin Heart, was nominated to ALA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults List and received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. Shivaun’s middle grade debut, The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars, was a JLG selection. She has written two other middle grade novels: A Reluctant Witch’s Guide to Magic and Meet Me at the Moon Tree. Shivaun lives in Australia with her cat.