The Anger Chronicles

by Jessie Preisendorfer

Shay, fourteen and queer, just got placed with her fifth foster family in three years. Of course, she’s always angry or about to be, who wouldn’t be? This latest foster family, a rabbi, an accountant, eight-year-old twins, and a big black cat offer Shay another chance at being part of a family.

Shay is the new kid at school for the third time in one year, which is bad enough, but being in eighth grade just complicates things, especially when Shay develops a crush on the cute girl who runs the art club. As much as she tries to stay above the school drama, Shay is sucked into it after she makes yet another anger-fueled bad decision that gets caught on video and goes viral. One bad decision essentially ruins her school life and a budding relationship. It jeopardizes Shay’s placement with the Morgensterns just when they’re finally getting closer.

When Shay gets an apology letter from her estranged father, recently released from prison, she realizes she needs to make a choice. Should she stay with the Morgensterns, or should she give her father another chance? Will her anger issues continue to sabotage any chance at stability?

ebook

Published September 17, 2024

Reviews

[Stephen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a lot of things- family, queerness, adolescence, hope, regret, mistakes, anger, fear, joy, how complicated life can be and how we make it so complicated. It also has a bunch of pro-math propaganda. But most of all for me it’s a much-needed reminder about the power of empathy. It’s about choosing to love somebody when they need it the most. I am so excited that this is out there for queer kids (and adults) to root for a complex character like Shay- I wish I had read it when I was her age.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

This is a slice of life book following roughly half a year in Shay’s life as she settles in with the Morgensterns. There’s not much plot to this beyond Shay enduring middle school, making friends, and making enemies, but that’s not the point. For all that the Morgensterns are Jewish — with Mrs. Morgenstern being a Rabbi — religion isn’t the focus, either. It’s there, a source of comfort for Shay’s adoptive family, but they never pressure her. She’s welcome, always welcome, but she’s just as welcome to stay home on the days they go to temple.

This is a sweet story, full of optimism and hope. It’s not a romance, but it is about love — letting yourself be loved and loving yourself. This is about friendship and found families, and it was a delight to read.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Dwain Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 64 year-old man, I'm not exactly the primary target demographic for this book, and I'm not going to lie -;I was worried I'd have difficulty getting into the story of a 14 year-old girl. I was so wrong. Within just a handful of pages I was engrossed in Shay's story, and I found myself putting off other things just so I could devote more time to reading this book. I absolutely loved Shay. I felt every emotion she went through - my heart ached for her as she continued her journey of self discovery, I laughed with her, (literally) cried with her, worried about her. Her character reminds me so much of a very dear friend - based on one funny and heartwarming scene in the book, maybe I should call her "dear" - from years ago. It was remarkable how I could see so much of my old friend in the wit, intelligence, smartassery, and warmth of Shay. This is a fantastic read for any YA reader, especially a queer YA reader - but I can absolutely say that the story is so good that it appeals to a far broader audience. If you don't read this book, you're missing a real gem.

[Emily D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character, Shay, is smart, funny, observant, and compelling. She notices everything about everyone, from judging whether people’s smiles are genuine to dissecting middle school social dynamics, and watching her grow from her experiences throughout the book is super satisfying. Jessie Preisendorfer writes about real people - flawed, angry, imperfect, and hilarious, and she does it with a lot of heart. I recommend this book to everyone - tweens and teens will identify with Shay’s humor, recognize her mistakes, and feel the awkwardness and excitement of new schools, friendships, and crushes. Adults will revisit feelings of growing up through the lens of a smart, queer student navigating a new family. Shay’s story is one of adversity, but it’s also one of thoughtfulness, wit, and love. An excellent read!

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Preisendorfer gives readers a book that they won’t want to put down. The Anger Chronicles is a must read at any time of the year.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.