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Anica Mrose Rissi

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Anica Mrose Rissi is an American author of children's books and young adult novels. Her first book, Anna, Banana, and the Friendship Split, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2015.[1] Her nonfiction pieces have been published by the New York Times and The Writer magazine.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Personal life

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Anica Mrose Rissi was born in Maine and grew up on the island of Deer Isle, where she graduated from the local public school system.[9][10][11][12] After graduating from Yale University in 2001 with a degree in American Studies, Rissi moved to New York City, where she worked for many years as a book editor.[10][12][13] Besides writing books, Rissi also plays fiddle in and writes lyrics for the band "Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves".[14][15][16][17] She currently lives in Princeton, New Jersey.[12]

Career

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The Anna, Banana chapter-book series, for readers ages 6–10, follows a third-grader named Anna, her wiener dog named Banana, and Anna's two best friends, Sadie and Isabel.[18] Kirkus called the first book in the series, Anna, Banana, and the Friendship Split (Simon & Schuster, 2015), "a realistic story for sensitive kids."[19] The series is also published in Danish, Czech, and Hebrew.[20][21] Rissi has stated in interviews that her own dog, Arugula, was the inspiration for the dog in the Anna, Banana books.[12]

The Teacher's Pet (Disney-Hyperion, 2017), illustrated by Zachariah OHora, is a picture book about a teacher who is so in love with the new class pet, he can't see all the trouble it's causing.[22] In a starred review, Publishers Weekly said, "Rissi's very funny text is a model of understatement and restraint...allowing OHora to make the most of the story's physical comedy in thickly painted scenes spiked with neon orange."[23] School Library Journal called the book "perfect for classroom read-alouds and lessons on problem-solving or pets."[24] The New York Times Book Review said, "Rissi (the 'Anna, Banana' books), with her edge-of-grossout humor, and OHora ('Horrible Bear!'), with his giant-headed, candy-colored people, have over-the-top sensibilities that mesh fantastically" and USA Today called it "A guaranteed chuckle for any grown-up who’s ever had to take care of the class 'pet' for the weekend."[25][26] It is also published in Chinese.

Watch Out for Wolf! (Disney-Hyperion, 2019), illustrated by Charles Santoso, is a picture book about five little piggies who are preparing a surprise birthday party for their friend Wolf.[27][28] The book was chosen for the Texas Library Association's 2020 2x2 Reading List.[29] It is also published in Spanish and Catalan.

Love, Sophia on the Moon (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2020), illustrated by Mika Song, is a picture book about a child who runs away to the moon after getting in trouble on earth.[30] She writes letters to her mother, and her mother writes back.[31] In a starred review, BookPage called the book a "tender, funny epistolary tale"[32] and noted that "With clear affection, author Anica Mrose Rissi (best known for her Anna, Banana series) captures the determination and obstinacy of children and the steady, unwavering love of a parent."[32] Kirkus Reviews said, "Readers will love it to the moon and back."[30] The book is also published in Chinese and was awarded the 2021 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People in the Pre-K to Grade 3 category and the 2021 Maine Literary Award in Children's Literature category.[33][34][35]

Hide and Don't Seek: And Other Very Scary Stories (HarperCollins, 2021) is a middle-grade short story collection that Kirkus Reviews called "ideal for any younger reader looking for bite-sized horror."[36] Publishers Weekly said of the "20 brief offerings" in the collection, "some stories succeed better than others," but concluded "the sheer variety of creepy concepts, unsettling moments interspersed with humor, and gotcha twists will appeal to younger middle grade readers who are ready for a gateway into horror fiction—and a book to read around the campfire."[37] In a starred review, School Library Journal said the collection has "all the makings of a modern-day classic" and "shows promise of being read and retold again and again by this generation’s thrill-seekers."[38] The book includes "full-page charcoal-style illustrations" by Carolina Godina that "provide a sense of ominous eeriness."[36] The collection is also published in Polish, Russian, Finnish, and Czech, and was named a 2022 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers by YALSA.[39][40]

Wishing Season (HarperCollins, 2023) is a "beautifully written,"[41][42] "achingly sad but also hopeful story set on a small Maine island,"[43] in which "eleven-year-old Lily Neff struggles to accept the death of her twin brother, Anders."[44] The middle grade novel "poses questions about the power of our connections—to other people, to animals, and to the world around and beyond"[43] and "leads readers to questions about loss and the durability of relationships."[44] The book received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Horn Book, School Library Journal, and Kirkus, which called it "a droll, well-paced, and deeply moving book about loss and friendship."[44][45][43][41] Wishing Season appeared on several best-of-the-year lists, including Horn Book Fanfare Best Books of 2023, CCBC Choices 2024, and the 2024 Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year (noted for Outstanding Merit).[46][47][48] It was a finalist for the 2024 Maine Literary Award in the category of Young People's Literature and a winner of the 2024 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People.[49][50] The book is also published in Turkish.

Rissi's debut young adult novel, Always Forever Maybe (HarperCollins, 2018), is described as "about the depths and boundaries of true friendship and obsessive teenage love."[51] Publishers Weekly said the book "meaningfully highlights known patterns of intimate-partner abuse and speaks to the joy and importance of enduring friendship".[52] Always Forever Maybe was named to the Texas Library Association's TAYSHAS 2019 Reading List and is also published in Danish.[53][54]

Rissi's second young adult novel, Nobody Knows But You (HarperCollins, 2020), "intersperses news reports, eyewitness testimony, personal letters and texts, and court transcripts to recount the eight summer weeks that led to a brutal murder at Camp Cavanick," according to Publishers Weekly.[55] The book was named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Nobody Knows But You is also published in Dutch.[56]

Bibliography

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Picture books

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Chapter books

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Middle grade books

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Young Adult novels

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References

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  1. ^ a b Rissi, Anica Mrose (2015). Anna, Banana, and the Friendship Split. United States: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 9781481416054.
  2. ^ "Rissi, Anica Mrose (2015-5-25). "A Dog of One's Own"". opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com. 25 May 2015. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019.
  3. ^ "Dogs and the true rules of writing". The Writer. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  4. ^ Rissi, Anica Mrose (2014-11-23). "A Gander at Love". Opinionator. Archived from the original on 2019-08-29. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  5. ^ "Six counterintuitive goals to shake up your writing routine". The Writer. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  6. ^ "Productive procrastination". The Writer. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  7. ^ "Finding hope through story". The Writer. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  8. ^ "How to be a good critique partner for another writer". The Writer. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  9. ^ Osborn, Jennifer (July 2, 2015). "A Girl's Best Friend: Author Explores Girlhood Friendships and Fallouts" (PDF). The Ellsworth American. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 3, 2019.
  10. ^ a b "Anica Mrose Rissi: from library violinist to children's book writer". Island Ad-Vantages. Archived from the original on 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  11. ^ "Deer Isle native finds career in young adult, children's literature". Island Institute. 2017-10-02. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  12. ^ a b c d Bauer, Dan (2017-08-28). "Meet children's author Anica Mrose Rissi and her inspirational dog". Community News. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  13. ^ Schroeder, Rebekah (2023-10-03). "Children's Book Festival Returns to Princeton Public Library". Community News. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  14. ^ Jeff Snyder (2018-11-28), Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves : The Best of Your Lies, retrieved 2019-07-03
  15. ^ Smith, Richard D. (2019-04-02). "Musicologist Jeff Snyder: twisting traditions and turning out tunes". Community News. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  16. ^ "About". Anica Mrose Rissi. Archived from the original on 2019-07-04. Retrieved 2019-07-04.
  17. ^ Neff, Joseph (2018-11-29). "Graded on a Curve: New in Stores, November 2018, Part Six". The Vinyl District. Retrieved 2019-09-10.
  18. ^ a b Book, Horn. "From The Guide: Chapter Book Mirrors". The Horn Book. Archived from the original on 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  19. ^ a b ANNA, BANANA, AND THE FRIENDSHIP SPLIT by Anica Mrose Rissi , Meg Park | Kirkus Reviews. Archived from the original on 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  20. ^ "Katka, Ťapka a kamarádství v ohrožení - Mrose Rissiová Anica". Bambook (in Czech). Retrieved 2023-08-04.
  21. ^ "Anna, Banana". Carlsen (in Danish). Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  22. ^ a b THE TEACHER'S PET by Anica Mrose Rissi , Zachariah OHora | Kirkus Reviews. Archived from the original on 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  23. ^ a b "The Teacher's Pet review". www.publishersweekly.com. Archived from the original on 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  24. ^ a b SLJ. "SLJ's August 2017 Popular Picks". School Library Journal. Archived from the original on 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  25. ^ a b Russo, Maria (2017-08-25). "These Tales Get Excited for School Days". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 2019-07-04. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  26. ^ a b "Get smart with these 6 great new back-to-school picture books". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  27. ^ a b Mrose, Rissi, Anica. "Watch Out for Wolf!". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2019-09-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ a b "Watch Out for Wolf! Publishers Weekly review". Publishers Weekly.
  29. ^ "2020 2X2 Reading List Announced". Texas Library Association. 2020-02-04. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  30. ^ a b c LOVE, SOPHIA ON THE MOON | Kirkus Reviews.
  31. ^ a b "Love, Sophia on the Moon review". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  32. ^ a b c "Book Review - Love, Sophia on the Moon by Mika Song". BookPage.com. 8 April 2020. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  33. ^ "Contests & Awards". The Poetry Center at PCCC. Retrieved 2021-05-30.
  34. ^ "2021 Winners". Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance. 28 May 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-30.
  35. ^ Writer, Bob KeyesStaff (2021-05-28). "Maine Literary Awards names winners, honors Carolyn Chute". Press Herald. Retrieved 2021-05-31.
  36. ^ a b c HIDE AND DON'T SEEK | Kirkus Reviews.
  37. ^ a b "Children's Book Review: Hide and Don't Seek: And Other Very Scary Stories by Anica Mrose Rissi, illus. by Carolina Godina. Quill Tree, $16.99 (224p) ISBN 978-0-06-302695-7". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2021-07-03.
  38. ^ a b Mrose, Rissi, Anica. "Hide and Don't Seek: And Other Very Scary Stories". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2023-08-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  39. ^ "Hide and Don't Seek". Anica Mrose Rissi. Retrieved 2021-07-03.
  40. ^ MSERBEKIAN (2022-02-04). "2022 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Retrieved 2023-08-04.
  41. ^ a b c Mrose, Rissi, Anica. "Wishing Season". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2023-08-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  42. ^ a b Westmoore, Jean (2023-07-15). "Books in Brief: Wishing Season; The Skull; Haru, Zombie Dog Hero". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
  43. ^ a b c d Roach, Julie. "Review of Wishing Season". The Horn Book. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
  44. ^ a b c d WISHING SEASON | Kirkus Reviews.
  45. ^ a b "Wishing Season by Anica Mrose Rissi". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
  46. ^ Book, Horn. "Fanfare 2023 Annotations". The Horn Book. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  47. ^ "CCBC Choices". Cooperative Children's Book Center. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  48. ^ Bank Street College of Education. Children's Book Committee. (2024-05-01). "The Best Children's Books of the Year [2024 edition]". The Center for Children's Literature.
  49. ^ "2024 Finalists". Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance. 2024-05-02. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  50. ^ "Contests & Awards". The Poetry Center at PCCC. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  51. ^ a b "Always Forever Maybe by Anica Mrose Rissi | Kirkus Reviews". Archived from the original on 2019-07-03.
  52. ^ a b "Always Forever Maybe review". www.publishersweekly.com. Archived from the original on 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  53. ^ "TAYSHAS 2019 Reading List" (PDF). Texas Library Association.
  54. ^ "For evigt. Måske". Carlsen (in Danish). Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  55. ^ a b "Nobody Knows But You review". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  56. ^ "Niemand behalve jij - Anica Mrose Rissi". Uitgeverij De Fontein (in Dutch). Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  57. ^ Mrose, RISSI, Anica. "The Teacher's Pet". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2019-09-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  58. ^ a b Mrose, RISSI, Anica. "Anna, Banana, and the Friendship Split". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2019-09-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  59. ^ ANNA, BANANA, AND THE MONKEY IN THE MIDDLE by Anica Mrose Rissi , Meg Park | Kirkus Reviews. Archived from the original on 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2019-09-10.
  60. ^ MacDonald, Amy (2021-10-31). "In 'Hide and Don't Seek,' the stories are short, but the creepiness lingers". Press Herald. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
  61. ^ Wishing Season, by By Anica Mrose Rissi. | Booklist Online.
  62. ^ Mrose, RISSI, Anica. "Always Forever Maybe". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2019-09-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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