For more reviews and up-to-date news, check out Jill’s Blog.

Raves for Furious

  • Booklist, * Starred Review “The combination of poignant coming-of-age with creative satire equals a fun treatment on a big topic: how you grow confidence and establish identity in a rough-and-tumble landscape. A natural choice for older fans of Rick Riordan’s Olympians series.” —Booklist, * Starred Review
  • “Fans of Wolfson’s heartfelt realistic novels will relish her fleet prose and these new characters as she examines the theme of justice versus revenge. For readers moving beyond Percy Jackson into the more complex realm of teen angst, this is an enthralling and chilling tale that uses Greek mythology to create a timely fable.” —Kirkus Reviews
Blogger Reviews
  • “Amazing story! Furious takes three angry girls who don’t have anything to do with each other and molds them into the Furies of old… I recommend it highly.” —Ms Martin Teaches Media
  • “ …had me anticipating every turn of the story as I go through each chapter, bracing myself for the good, the bad, and the ugly… Interesting, thrilling and an absorbing read.” —Amaterasu Reads
  • “What really stood out for me in Furious was the imagery and emotions. I loved the way Wolfson wrote, and the basis in Greek legend was a neat twist. Four stars!” —I’d So Rather Be Reading
  • “Final verdict? This is definitely a really fun YA mythological retelling story, and definitely one to check out. Four stars.” —Birth of a New Witch
  • “If you want a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, keep you turning the pages furiously and enjoy a standalone book, then Furious is the novel for you. Five Bats.” —Forbidden Passions
  • “Furious is a strong cautionary tale of revenge. Who are they to be the judge, the jury, the executioner?  An angry story hell bent on power, Furious is enticing.” —Books with Bite

Raves for Cold Hands, Warm Heart

  • Kirkus Reviews, * Starred Review “Detailed, accurate descriptions of medical procedures are leavened with humor and sincerity, providing a powerful, multifaceted exploration of ethics, love and the celebration of life.” —Kirkus Reviews, * Starred Review
  • “Showing teens confronting unexpected emotions in both themselves and others, this novel is sure to please fans of realistic but gentle teen romance or medical stories.” —Booklist
  • “The subject is immediately gripping, and the book is genuinely thoughtful… the emotional subject will likely grab readers looking for a melodramatic good time.” —BCCB

What I Call LifeRaves for What I Call Life

Available in hardback, paperback, and as a fabulous full-cast audio book at Full Cast Audio Books.

  • Booklist Top 10 First Novels for Youth 2005
  • “A grand-slam homerun … PERFECT TEN” —Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
  • “A treasure of quiet good humor and skillful story telling” —Booklist * Starred Review
  • “While the odd characters are interesting, it’s the smart and unique voice that makes this story shine.” —Kirkus
  • “The author has a knack for vivid descriptions, suspenseful plotting, and a clear telling of the stories-within-the-story. A thoughtful and ultimately hopeful book, this novel has flashes of humor that lighten the sometimes painful events.” —School Library Journal
  • Junior Library Guild Selection
  • Maine Student Book Award Selection
  • “A novel for young readers about a child cast adrift in the foster-care system could take plenty of wrong turns. There’s potential here for maudlin hand-wringing and the sort of angst that typifies too much young adult fiction. But author Jill Wolfson deftly negotiates all these potential pitfalls in delivering a warm and genuine first novel, What I Call Life.” —San Jose Mercury News
  • “This novel is a great read in its own right and a much-needed education in the cultural history of foster children—from Moses to the children next door. One of the best books on the subject since The Great Gilly Hopkins. I loved it!” —Hicklebee’s Book Store staff selection

Raves for Home, and Other Big, Fat Lies

  • IRA (International Reading Association) Children’s Book Award Notable Book
  • Texas Lone Star Reading List Selection
  • Green Earth Book Award Honor Book, Newton Marasco Foundation
  • Santa Monica Library Green Award
  • Pennsylvania School Librarian Association, Young Reader’s Choice nominee
  • Kansas State Reading Circle
  • New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
  • “There is no preaching here, just honest to goodness situational humor perfect for starting a discussion on environmental topics. It might just encourage youth to find ways to stand out while fitting in.” —Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
  • “A sweet, spirited tale told with warmth and humor about a determined misfit who finds a home at last in a family and a community.” —Kirkus
  • “I would highly recommend this book to anyone who knows someone who is a foster child, someone who loves nature like me or anyone who likes a story about love (in this case love for family and nature)” —Student review, Stone Soup Magazine
  • “The protagonist’s spunky voice will engage readers. Fans of Patricia Reilly Giff’s Pictures of Hollis Woods will appreciate Whitney’s independence and plucky spirit.” —School Library Journal