“"Even when things seem to be going terrible in the world, or in their lives, I want teens to remember to look to the blue sky for peace. To listen to the birds and pay attention to the trees. Simple things, but they can be transcendent."
“Black people are the full spectrum of humanity... Just as hard as we are working to fight for our equality, we at the same time need to be celebrating ourselves. And showing people all there is to celebrate."
Praise for
ALL THE THINGS WE NEVER KNEW
“A poignant love story. Tamani’s characters are well drawn, her prose is gorgeous, and the imagery she employs is lush. A masterpiece."
“A superb, complex romance full of heart, humor, and unforgettable characters.”
"Readers will be easily swept away by this tale exploring the hearts and souls of two emotionally vulnerable athletes."
"Tamani masterfully bounces and slams two hearts up and down a shrouded court of first love and revelations . A hard-to-put-down backboard breaker.”
National Book Award finalist and New York Times-bestselling author
"All The Things We Never Knew is a beautifully poignant love letter: to a first love, to basketball, and to that enigmatic bunch we think we know best, only to discover we don’t know at all—family. Tamani’s latest is a bright shining star.
New York Times-bestselling author of Mosquitoland.
"Liara Tamani’s All the Things We Never Knew is a bighearted, beautiful exploration of fate, family, and the glorious magic of love.”
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST AND PRINTZ HONOR WINNER
"A deep dive into the glory and mess of new relationships…Engaging."
"We’re making hearteyes at this teen romance set around the courts.”
"Utterly relatable . . . Instantaneous fireworks soon lead to a deeper journey of self-discovery. Rex and Carli’s romance...will stick with you.
Praise for
CALLING MY NAME
“An excellent portrayal of African American culture, gorgeous lyrical prose, strong characters, and societal critique make Tamani’s debut a must-read.”
“For Taja, the narrator of Liara Tamani’s luminous episodic debut, faith in God is as much a part of her as her long legs and brown skin...a complex portrait of a young woman trying to reconcile what she’s been taught, both in church and out in the world, with what she truly believes.”
“Tamani creates a raw, relatable, and eloquently-told coming of age story about finding your place, beliefs, and identity."
“If there’s one book I wish I could reach through time and hand to seventeen-year-old me , it’s this one. Calling My Name is a treasure.”
New York Times Bestselling author of Dear Martin
“This lush debut novel is written in distinct prose that reads like poetry . Young adults will connect with this protagonist and this dynamic new voice. Fans of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas will especially love this lyrical novel. A great selection in any library collection.”
“In Calling My Name we bare witness to a young girl finding her power and realizing that she alone is enough. A true gift to young readers.”
New York Times Bestselling author of Piecing Me Together
“Tamani’s debut novel brims with heart and soul, following its African-American protagonist, Taja Brown, as she searches for spirituality, love, and a sense of self. Absorbing.”
“This debut coming-of-age novel showcases the complex relationship between family, spirituality, and self. On her journey to discovering herself, Taja learns the importance of recognizing self-worth and feeling like you truly belong.”
“While not quite stream of consciousness, this novel moves dreamily along wayward paths. ...Readers willing to be swept along by Tamani’s poetic language and imagery will appreciate the journey. ... This debut is reminiscent of Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming or Marilyn Hilton’s Full Cicada Moon.”
“Taja deals with the insecurities that most young people feel regarding identity, love, and fitting in. Stylish prose brings home quiet depths.”
