“This novel is short, but packs a powerful punch. It addresses, admirably: sexual and physical abuse, betrayal, alcoholism, self-confidence, loss, homosexuality, and learning disabilities. It never seems heavy-handed or lecturing, because of Jones’s talent for capturing emotions without seeming maudlin. It would have been easy to take a character who experiences so much wrong, and either make the readers feel pity for her, or make her ineffective. Lili is neither of these things. When depressed, she is never inactive. She’s scared, but manages to fight. She’s hurt, but it doesn’t slow her down.” – Melissa Fox, Book Nut and Edge of the Forest

“Carrie Jones’ third novel Girl, Hero, is both painfully realistic and, peopled as it is with an endearingly bizarre cast of characters, a touch surreal. John Wayne casts a long shadow in this novel (as he does on the very cool cover), but he’s not nearly as memorable as Liliana herself, whose scary, sad and funny Freshman year is a testament to the power of acceptance, hope and perseverance, and touches the hero within all of us.
Brilliant—you’ll want to tuck this one in your bag, and take it on vacation.”

– Tanita S. Davis, Finding Wonderland and Edge of the Forest

“Readers will respond to the self-aware but vulnerable Lily as she grows over time into her own unique hero.” – Kirkus

“Liliana’s story is more than teenage angst. It is raw and real, the type of reality a high school freshman can never be ready for. Jones takes the classic coming-of-age storyline into uncharted territory by lassoing Liliana’s quest for self-discovery with a potentially gay father, a painfully self-destructive mother, and an embarrassingly odd obsession with John Wayne. As Lili struggles to feel comfortable in her own boots, she writes letters to Mr. Wayne, seeking guidance she cannot get from anyone, including her lifelong friend Nicole. Too busy concocting the not-so-perfect recipe for popularity, Nicole loses her identity and Lili loses her best friend. Now, Liliana must face her mother’s new intimidating, alcoholic boyfriend in a high-noon show down. Lili’s only hope is the hero within her and a new group of characters that help her find that hero.

Readers will find secret comfort in Liliana’s so-absurd-it-must-be-true story, noticing specks of their own lives scattered here and there, specks they do not want anyone to know about, specks that make them who they are. Liliana’s story will empower readers, reminding them of their ability to overcome anything, as long as they first tip their hat and whisper “saddle up.” – Malorie Barrett, Dallas, GA, ALAN (Assenbly on Literature for Adolescents)

“Riveting…The plot moves along briskly, without descending to maudlin introspection…. Liliana is a great character—lovable and slightly wacky….Here’s another reason why I am going to try to get my boys to read the works of Carrie Jones. She writes the nicest high school boys ever (in this book, it’s Paolo, who’s cool and sweet and understanding), and I want my sons to be that nice too.” -Charlotte’s Library

“I made a new friend and read a remarkable story. Lily’s insights and youthful wisdom enrich this good book. As she writes to John Wayne — an unusual hero and imaginary friend — she narrates her life in her own voice.” — Nan Hoekstra, librarian

“Ready for another five star book? This one will grab readers from the very first chapter and keep them riveted all the way to the end. And beyond.

Lily is flawed, uncertain, bold, shy, outgoing, and utterly perfect—all these things wrapped up into one tiny protagonist. Even now, days after reading her story, I have Lily stuck in my brain. She makes quips, imitates John Wayne, sings, and shares little fears.

Carrie Jones is a natural at character-building and storytelling, as evidenced in her two previous books, HOW TO HAVE A GAY(ex)BOYFRIEND and LOVE (AND OTHER USES FOR DUCT TAPE). Lily, though, Lily sits right next to Judy Blume’s Margaret on the shelf of “characters I’d like to be friends with.”

In the meantime, I’m holding my breath, waiting for the new Carrie Jones book. Wagons forward!” – Julie Prince for Young Adult and Kids Books Central (YABC)

“It’s a novel that I highly recommend, especially to high school libraries looking to find relevant books that relate to teens. Run out and buy it.” – My Brain on Blog

“Jones’ writing speaks for itself. She is an authentic writer, her characters have heart and soul–meaning depth and layers. And her stories have spirit or staying power. There’s something about her books that just work.” –  Becky’s Book Reviews.