Young Adult and Middle Grade Fiction

My Books

ORPHANLAND tells the story of 11-year-old Willa, an orphan of the opioid crisis who, along with the other kids in the residential home where she lives, teaches her community how to love and care for each other rather than cast aside innocent victims of the present and past.

“This is honestly some of the most engaging prose I’ve had the chance to delve into in a very long time. Lauren is a wonderful writer with a terrific sense of character, setting, and theme.”

“The voice is pitch perfect.”

“Lauren’s writing instantly drew me in.”

FEATHER is a trailblazing pigeon who embarks on a 3,700-mile migration to Central America to find out where she belongs; what she learns will affect the lives of every pigeon and predator in Chicago, and how they see themselves and each other.

“a poignant story that deftly explores coping with loss from an interesting perspective”

“explores universal experiences and emotions through the birds’ eyes”

“a timeless quality that reminds me of anthropomorphic animal stories I read as a child, like A CRICKET IN TIMES SQUARE and STUART LITTLE”

“such a sweet read”

Why kidlit?

My favorite age to write for is 11-14, which technically falls between middle grade and young adult. This age range hits the sweet spot of growing up, when readers are bridging childhood and adulthood. Tackling relatable themes such as identity, perseverance, and belonging, great children’s fiction can ignite a lifelong love of reading. I am passionate about writing for this age group because these readers are developing a sense of self. They’re seeking answers about our world. They feel love and heartache. They want respect. They have emotional integrity. More than anything, they want the truth. Chances are, they still believe in magic. I strive to resonate with young readers by reflecting this unique time of life. I am repped by David Dunton at Harvey Klinger Literary Agency.