Krista Van Dolzer: Books

THE SOUND OF LIFE AND EVERYTHING (affectionately known as Steve)
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, May 2015

Twelve-year-old Ella Mae Higbee is a sensible girl. She eats her vegetables and wants to be just like Sergeant Friday, her favorite character on Dragnet. So when her auntie Mildred starts spouting nonsense about a scientist who can bring her cousin Robby back to life, Ella Mae doesn’t believe her--until a boy steps out of the scientist’s pod and drips slime on the floor right before her eyes.

But the boy is not Robby--he’s Japanese. And in California in the wake of World War II, the Japanese are still feared and mistreated. When Auntie Mildred refuses to take responsibility, Ella Mae convinces her mama to take the boy home with them. It’s clear that he’ll be kept like a prisoner in that lab, and she wants to help.

Determined to do what’s right by her new friend, Ella Mae teaches him English and defends him from the reverend’s talk of H-E-double-toothpicks. But when the boy’s painful memories resurface, Ella Mae learns some surprising truths about her own family and, more importantly, what it means to love.

"Brimming with empathy, humor, forgiveness, and wisdom
about what it means to be truly, fully human"
--Tricia Springstubb, author of MOONPENNY ISLAND

"Ella Mae is a scrapper in the tradition of Harper Lee’s Scout"
--Publishers Weekly

"A remarkable effort that explores stereotypes, family, and friendships that transcend the 1950s"
--Booklist

"Perfect for classrooms and book clubs, as it definitely offers a lot of material for discussion"
--VOYA

"Recommended to fans of historical fiction who enjoy a mix of history and ethics"

--School Library Journal

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DON'T VOTE FOR ME (affectionately known as Clyde)

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, August 2015

It's class president election time, and no one is surprised when Veronica Pritchard-Pratt is the only name on the list. She's the most popular girl in school, a social giant who rules the campaign every single year. David, for one, is sick of the tyranny--which he says. Out loud. When Veronica hears about this, she issues a public challenge to David. With his pride on the line, David accepts his fate and enters the race.

But as the campaign wages on, and David and Veronica are also paired up for a spring musical recital, David learns this Goliath is more than just a social giant--and maybe deserves to win more than he does...

"A comic romp that's also an enlightening quest for increased awareness and self-understanding"

--Kirkus

"Van Dolzer keeps the tone light between David's wry observations, amusing friends,

and the goofy predicaments he falls into"

--Publishers Weekly

"Readers looking for realistic middle-grade fiction will find David a likable guide

in a balanced lesson about ceding the spotlight"

--School Library Journal

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EARTH TO DAD (affectionately known as Lars)

Capstone, August 2018

The distance between Earth and Mars is more than just physical.

No one knows that better than eleven-year-old Jameson O’Malley. When Dad left for Mars, Jameson thought technology would help shorten the millions of miles between them, but he’s starting to realize no transmission can replace his father.

When a new family moves onto Base Ripley, Jameson makes an unlikely friend in Astra Primm, who’s missing a parent of her own. But as their friendship grows stronger, Jameson starts seeing the flaws in his own family. Mom is growing distant, and something is wrong with Dad. He’s not sending transmissions as frequently, and when he does there are bags under his eyes.

Soon Jameson realizes there’s more to the story than he knows--and plenty people aren’t telling him. Determined to learn the truth, Jameson and Astra embark on a journey exploring life, loss, and friendship that will take them to the edge of their universe.

"Well-paced and rich"

--Foreword

"Strong character development and plotting keep the pages turning

as the two friends risk all for each other"

--Booklist

"A solid choice for upper elementary and middle school students who want dystopia

but are not ready for the intensity and violence that defines the YA offerings in the genre"

--School Library Journal

"Van Dolzer uses her apocalyptic setting to highlight this story of grief,

creating believable, likable child characters"

--Kirkus

THE MULTIPLYING MYSTERIES OF MOUNT TEN (affectionately known as Clyde the Second)
Bloomsbury Children's, April 2019

Twelve-year-old painter Esther can't wait to attend Camp Vermeer, the most prestigious art camp around. But when her stepdad accidentally drives up the wrong mountain, she lands at Camp Archimedes--a math camp!

Determined to prove herself to the other campers, she tackles a brain-teaser that’s supposed to be impossible--and solves it in a single day. But not everyone is happy about it...someone wants her out of camp at any cost, and starts leaving cryptic, threatening notes all over the camp’s grounds. Esther doesn’t know who to trust--will she solve this riddle before it’s too late?

Featuring tricky logic puzzles readers can solve along with the characters and starring a unique, smart, and crafty young heroine, this story has just the right mix of mystery, humor, and wit.

“The isolated setting provides the perfect backdrop for this fast-paced mystery

by Van Dolzer starring a quirky crew of well-drawn characters.”

--Publishers Weekly

“It's a lot of fun as readers participate in Esther's journey and solve puzzles alongside her...

The ending successfully twists readers' expectations,

and those who like thought puzzles will enjoy this book.”

--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“Esther herself is solid and earnest, the math aspect is engaging,

and the exuberant energy of the story is contagious.”

--Kirkus

"A good middle school mystery that includes, art, literature, logic, and multiple subplots.
...Compares well to CHASING VERMEER and THE WESTING GAME.”

--School Library Connection

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