"When Emma discovers the first spot, 'like a tiny bright moon' on her left foot, she's at the funeral of her grandmother, who had been her best friend as well. The diagnosis is vitiligo, a skin condition triggered by stress. Creating a large multigenerational cast, Standish knits an absorbing story of loss, identity, and human connections. A rewarding, realistic novel, illuminated by magical elements." —Booklist (starred review)

Publishers Weekly has given The Ethan I Was Before a starred review! "Debut author Standish boldly tackles themes of death, guilt, and forgiveness in this tender coming-of-age story...Readers will be riveted as Ethan, his family, and other well-developed characters face the somber realities of life head on." Read the full review below.

The Ethan I Was Before has been named to Indiebound's Winter 2016-17 Indie Next List. Even better, it is number 7 on their top ten children's list! 

The Ethan I Was Before has been named as one of the American Booksellers Association's Spring/Winter 2017 Indies Introduce titles! Find the full list below. 

I will be a featured author at @VaBookFest, taking place in Charlottesville from March 22-26, to speak about The Ethan I Was Before. Join me to learn more about my book and to enjoy the rest of this five-day celebration of books, reading, literary culture, and more! 

I am honored to celebrate the Virginia State Reading Association's 50th anniversary as a featured speaker at their conference in Roanoke, VA, March 16-18! Click below to find out more about the conference and program.

I will be appearing at the American Booksellers' Association Midwinter Institute in Minneapolis, MN this upcoming January alongside other fantastic debuting and established authors alike. Find out more about the Institute, its program and participating authors below!

Come celebrate the launch of The Ethan I Was Before at Raleigh's Quail Ridge Books on Friday, February 3rd at 7 pm!