We're pleased to introduce Courtney Sheinmel

You've heard about Courtney on tour, now here's your chance to better know this debut MG author.

Courtney Sheinmel grew up in California and New York and has always loved to write. She graduated with honors from Barnard College, part of Columbia University, and attended Fordham University School of Law. After practicing law for several years, Courtney left to concentrate on her writing full-time. Her second book, POSITIVELY, will be published by Simon & Schuster on September 8, 2009, and SINCERELY, SOPHIE/SINCERELY, KATIE comes out in 2010.

Leah Hoffman-Ross just moved to New York and she wants her new friends to think she’s a typical thirteen-year-old. But Leah has a secret: she doesn’t have a father, she has a donor. Before Leah was born, her mother went to Lyon’s Reproductive Services and picked Donor 730. Now Leah has a stepfather and a little brother, and her mom thinks that they should be all the family Leah needs.

Despite her attempts to fit in and be normal, Leah can’t help but feel like something is missing. When she finds the link to the Lyon’s Sibling Registry, Leah knows she has to see if she has any half-siblings. And when she discovers that one of the other kids from Donor 730 is a girl her age, Leah will do anything to meet her—even if she has to hide it from everybody else.

Rave Reviews:

"First-time novelist Sheinmel, a PW reviewer, motivates Leah insightfully and sympathetically—readers will understand her conflicts, both petty and major, as she gets to know another daughter of Donor 730 and keeps it a secret from her disapproving mother (“She's not your sister,” her mother insists when she finds out). As narrator, Leah's voice is right on key, whether describing the give-and-take of family life or revelations about what constitutes family. Smart, original and full of vitality." --PW (Starred)

“A thought-provoking and compelling debut, challenging readers to consider: ‘What makes a family?’” – Cynthia Lord, author of Newbery Honor Book Rules

“This story rocks – it’s warm, insightful, and utterly un-put-down-able” – Lauren Myracle, author of ttyl

“[O]ne of the truest self-discovery stories I have ever read” – 5 Stars, Gold Star of Excellence, courtesy of Teens Read Too

ALAN pick, September 2008

Wow! Talk about impressive reviews. Come back tomorrow for our 1-on-1 with Courtney where she'll share what part the Today Show played in inspiring MY SO-CALLED FAMILY.