Shifty »

Lynn E. Hazen, M.A., M.F.A., writes books for children and young adults filled with humor, heart and hope. Kirkus Reviews praised her young adult novel, Shifty, as "a realistic story that resonates.” Shifty was chosen for VOYA’s (Voice of Youth Advocates magazine) Top Shelf Fiction, as a CCBC Choice, and as a Smithsonian Notable. Lynn's books for younger readers include: Cinder Rabbit, the Amazing Trail of Seymour Snail, Buzz Bumble, and Mermaid Mary Margaret.

Lynn earned an M.F.A. in Writing for Children & Young Adults at Vermont College where she won the Houghton Mifflin Scholarship. She also holds an M.A. in Education from San Francsico State University and a B.S. in Applied Behavioral Sciences from U.C. Davis.

Lynn lives in Northern California and enjoys giving presentations at schools, libraries, conferences, and literary events. She teaches classes in Writing for Children & Young Adults at Stanford Continuing Studies.

Fifteen-year-old Shifty knows all about moving around and next to nothing about where he came from. When he's assigned to a new foster home and family, he tries hard to keep cool and stay out of trouble. But it seems like the more he tries to do the right thing, the more trouble he finds. As Shifty navigates a series of messy summer adventures, he struggles to find a balance between the street-wise spirit that has helped him survive and his longing for a place to call home. Lynne E. Hazen has created a fast-paced, page-turning plot full of surprises and warmth.

Children's Literature

In this wonderfully entertaining young adult novel, Soli, a 15-year-old boy is also known as Shifty. He has spent his entire life in foster and group homes. Struggling to find his independence, while at the same time searching for a place to call home, he is a good kid to whom bad things happen. Driving his foster mother's van without a license or permit, he is constantly in situations where he is certain he will be arrested. But he always tries to do what's best for his foster sister, his foster brother, and anyone else he can help. In each situation, he messes up, but he is responsible. The story rings true, and, as such, provides important insight into a world many people can only guess at—foster children, crack babies, and the homeless—all dealing with the bureaucracy of social services. The story is fast paced and often humorous. Reviewer: Sue Poduska