Just Listen

The prolific author of over a dozen YA novels, Sarah Dessen received the 2017 Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association (ALA) for outstanding contributions to young adult literature. Her work has sold millions of copies in more than 30 countries. Though all her books are New York Times bestsellers, she is best known for The Truth About Forever, Saint Anything, The Moon and More, Along for the Ride, Lock and Key, Just Listen, and This Lullaby. The 2003 romantic comedy-drama film How to Deal, starring Mandy Moore and Trent Ford, was based on her first two novels: That Summer and Someone Like You. Dessen’s books are frequently chosen for the ALA’s annual YA lists, including the Teens’ Top Ten list and the Best Fiction for Young Adults list.

All Dessen’s novels are told from the first-person perspective of a female teenager. Dessen’s linked narratives examine teenagers dealing with important topics such as love, grief, abuse, eating disorders, drug addiction, divorce, family, friendships, and more. Her most common recurring themes include the protagonist’s growth through gaining new perspectives from other characters, female friendships, family dynamics, overcoming loss (including the death of a parent), and romantic relationships with compelling young men.