Keep It Together, Keiko Carter is my middle grade debut and available for purchase now!
This is where you’ll find links to news, reviews, and interviews. Keep coming back as I’ll update often. Thank you so much for all your support!
You can order the book from my local independent bookstore and get a personalized signed copy mailed to you (free in the US).
NEW~ Fun podcast review by a 13yo reader: Hook Of A Book
Check out this fun book trailer for Scholastic Book Fairs.
Publisher’s Weekly Pandemic Missed Connections featuring Keep It Together, Keiko Carter and other wonderful books.
Virtual Book Launch: Chocolate Quiz w Christina Soontornvat and Supriya Kelkar
Keep It Together, Keiko Carter is a New England Book Award finalist for Middle Grade (NEIBA)
Book Riot: 10 Fantastically Sweet Middle Grade Romance Books
French edition release – Les coups de coeur de Keiko Carter (Michel Lafon)
“Keep It Together Keiko Carter” Earns Mystic author award nomination article in The Day
Romanian edition release – Tine-te bine Keiko Carter (Editura Trei)
An interview with me on Lupine Seeds
An interview with me on delphreads
My essay and cover reveal on Nerdy Book Club
My video clip from Scholastic’s Spring 2020 Online Preview (see middle grade)
A sneak peek! Read chapter 1 of Keep It Together, Keiko Carter!
An exclusive excerpt on The Nerd Daily: Read chapter 2 of Keep It Together, Keiko Carter
Interview with The Nerd Daily: Q&A w Debbi Michiko Florence, author of Keep It Together, Keiko Carter
Book Review: Imaginary Elevators
Book Review: 24hryabookblog
Book Review: CeCeLibrarian’s Book Blog
Book Review: Beagles and Books
Kid Book Review: Elena Reads
Book Review: Afoma Umesi
Book Review: Onigireads
Video Kid Book Review: Read with Val
What people are saying:
“In her middle-grade debut, Florence creates a fun, accessible story, touching on the realities of middle school, such as friendships, fallouts, misunderstandings, first crushes, and fitting in. The highs and lows of the girls’ friendship highlight toxic relationships versus true friendship. Sweet and smart.” – Kirkus Review
“Tween and teen relationships are explored in this charming middle-grade story by Florence. This book would be a solid recommendation for young readers looking for lighthearted romance but not ready for more mature YA content.” – Booklist
“The moment I saw the cover, my heart soared: an Asian American main character who is every bit the All-American girl. This is the book I wish I could take back in time and give to my tween self. I am so thrilled that today’s readers get to have Keiko Carter.” –Christina Soontornvat, Newbery Honor author of A Wish in the Dark
“Keep It Together, Keiko Carter navigates friendships, crushes, and self-discovery with such heart – my seventh grade self would have adored this book!” –Mae Respicio, award-winning author of The House That Lou Built and Any Day with You
“I loved how relatable (the story) was, being in a group of three friends and dealing with their conflicts.” – Novalee, age 12
“Keep It Together, Keiko Carter takes an honest look at friendship fallouts and changing family dynamics with sweetness and sincerity that will make you cheer for Keiko as she learns to manage it all without losing herself.” –Jessica Kim, author of Stand Up, Yumi Chung!
“A beautiful coming of age story. Keep It Together Keiko Carter shines with friendship changes, first crushes, and a perfect, heartwarming ending.” – Julie Abe, author of Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch
“In this deft, empathetic, and humorous narrative, Debbi Michiko Florence has expertly captured the joy and heartbreak of middle school.” – Andrea Wang, Newbery honor, Caldecott award, and APALA award winning author of Watercress
“I want every preteen girl to read (this book), because it feels so true to the experience of being a middle-school girl and navigating the tough social waters of female friendship, cliques and crushes.” – Elissa Sweet, book-seller
