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About Grace
Grace Lowery is a typical Midwestern American teenager: pretty, smart, a good student from what is, to all appearances, an average, middle-class, single-parent home. There’s just one difference: A series of bad decisions involving her wealthy, charming-but-irresponsible boyfriend has landed her in the state juvenile correction facility for girls.
Thus begins About Grace, a unique coming-of-age story in which a young woman deals with the consequences of her actions—and sees how those consequences are different for people living more and less privileged lives. Grace is forced to reckon with the harsh reality of the juvenile carceral system, the people she meets there, and her complicated feelings for the boy whose influence led her to this place. More important—and challenging—Grace begins to remember and unpack a history of childhood abuse at the hands of a trusted adult. It’s a journey to self-awareness under harsh and unanticipated conditions, shocking revelations—and surprising friendships.
About Grace is a rare young adult novel that handles difficult and sometimes shocking subject matter with compassion, insight, and a touch of humor.
Thus begins About Grace, a unique coming-of-age story in which a young woman deals with the consequences of her actions—and sees how those consequences are different for people living more and less privileged lives. Grace is forced to reckon with the harsh reality of the juvenile carceral system, the people she meets there, and her complicated feelings for the boy whose influence led her to this place. More important—and challenging—Grace begins to remember and unpack a history of childhood abuse at the hands of a trusted adult. It’s a journey to self-awareness under harsh and unanticipated conditions, shocking revelations—and surprising friendships.
About Grace is a rare young adult novel that handles difficult and sometimes shocking subject matter with compassion, insight, and a touch of humor.
244 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Shoup
22 books39 followersBarbara Shoup is the author of eight novels for adults and young adults, most recently An American Tune and Looking for Jack Kerouac, as well as a memoir, A Commotion in Your Heart: Notes about Writing and Life. She is the co-author of Novel Ideas: Contemporary Authors Share the Creative Process and Story Matters., as well as in The Writer and the New York Times travel section. Her young adult novels, Wish You Were Here and Stranded in Harmony were selected as American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults. The recipient of the PEN Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Fellowship and grants from the Indiana Arts Commission, she is the Writer-in-Residence at the Indiana Writers Center and a faculty member at Art Workshop International.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 15, 2025
thank you netgalley for providing an ARC for this story. Forever grateful I got to read this.
review in spanish downbelow
El primer 5 estrellas del año y completamente merecido.
La razón principal por la que solicite el Arc de esta historia fue porque la portada me llamo la atención. Con tan solo verla dije "ah seguro es una historia de crimen" al estilo Agatha Christie. WRONG!!!!
La historia gira entorno a Grace, una chica de menor de 18 años que cae en un centro de detención para menores de edad porque cometió un crimen (varios) con su novio. (Entraban a robar a las casas de gente rica).
En si, nos cuenta como es su vida dentro de este centro de detención, el porque llego ahí y porque si vida era una _miseria_ básicamente.
Puede decir que el libro te engancha en la primeras 3 palabras, si no hubiese estado trabajando desde que lo comencé, seguramente en un día lo terminaba. La narración que tiene me gustó un montón porque va intercalando entre lo que va pasando en el centro de detención y en el pasado de ella, relacionándolo en por que llego hasta ahí.
Tiene un trigger warning que es abuso sexual y la manera en la que lo desarrollo la autora me sorprendió, creo que retrato muy bien el hecho de tener miedo a contarlo porque tu abusador te amenazo si lo decías. No es hasta el último capítulo que realmente se sabe lo que pasó, durante el transcurso de la historia va contando pero nada puntual, como que lo deja a interpretación.
En conclusión es un libro que voy a recomendar de acá en adelante porque la autora en los agradecimientos cuenta porque decidió hacerlo. Creo que es razón suficiente para que el día que se publique todos lo lean y le den el reconocimiento que se merece.
review in spanish downbelow
El primer 5 estrellas del año y completamente merecido.
La razón principal por la que solicite el Arc de esta historia fue porque la portada me llamo la atención. Con tan solo verla dije "ah seguro es una historia de crimen" al estilo Agatha Christie. WRONG!!!!
La historia gira entorno a Grace, una chica de menor de 18 años que cae en un centro de detención para menores de edad porque cometió un crimen (varios) con su novio. (Entraban a robar a las casas de gente rica).
En si, nos cuenta como es su vida dentro de este centro de detención, el porque llego ahí y porque si vida era una _miseria_ básicamente.
Puede decir que el libro te engancha en la primeras 3 palabras, si no hubiese estado trabajando desde que lo comencé, seguramente en un día lo terminaba. La narración que tiene me gustó un montón porque va intercalando entre lo que va pasando en el centro de detención y en el pasado de ella, relacionándolo en por que llego hasta ahí.
Tiene un trigger warning que es abuso sexual y la manera en la que lo desarrollo la autora me sorprendió, creo que retrato muy bien el hecho de tener miedo a contarlo porque tu abusador te amenazo si lo decías. No es hasta el último capítulo que realmente se sabe lo que pasó, durante el transcurso de la historia va contando pero nada puntual, como que lo deja a interpretación.
En conclusión es un libro que voy a recomendar de acá en adelante porque la autora en los agradecimientos cuenta porque decidió hacerlo. Creo que es razón suficiente para que el día que se publique todos lo lean y le den el reconocimiento que se merece.
January 16, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Querencia Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Barbara Shoup’s “About Grace” is an emotionally charged and unflinchingly honest portrayal of a young woman’s journey through trauma and accountability. The book has gripping storytelling with introspective character study, which helps Shoup craft a deeply human story that examines the complexities of the juvenile carceral system, the long shadow of past abuse, and the redemptive power of friendship. Before going into this review, I do want to note that this book is darker than I expected going into it, and this book may be triggering for some readers. The ARC I read did not have any content warnings at the beginning, but I definitely believe they are necessary. This book featured suicide, drug use, and child abuse. The child abuse may be especially triggering as this sexual abuse was depicted through Grace’s flashback as a child (9 years old) by a family friend, and this abuse was described through Grace’s perspective as a child. Please be aware of this specific content before going into this book so that you are prepared.
Grace Lowery is, on the surface, an average Midwestern teenager from a seemingly typical single-parent household. However, a series of poor decisions, spurred by her wealthy and reckless boyfriend, lands her in a state juvenile correctional facility for girls. As she navigates life in the facility, Grace encounters staff members who range from apathetic to caring, peers with their own complex backstories, and a system that exposes the stark inequalities of privilege and justice. The book alternates between Grace’s present in juvenile detention and flashbacks to her troubled past. These glimpses of her childhood reveal the fractures in her seemingly normal life, from her parents’ separation to the harrowing abuse she suffered at the hands of her Uncle Jack. The fragmented timeline mirrors Grace’s struggle to piece together her own story and make sense of her pain.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its authentic portrayal of incarcerated youth. Shoup’s experience with this demographic shines through in her nuanced depiction of the characters. They are flawed, rough-edged, and achingly real, offering a rare and much-needed perspective in young adult fiction. Each character has a distinct personality, even the more minor characters, and many of the girls in juvie are in much need of stability and care.
Grace’s relationships with others in the facility are another highlight. Her reluctant but ultimately meaningful friendship with Jessica, a fellow detainee who often pushes her religion, and her growing connection with Electra, offer glimpses of hope and humanity amid a harsh environment. The therapy sessions Grace attends, guided by a compassionate counselor, provide some of the book’s most poignant moments as Grace begins to confront her trauma and grief. The story also doesn’t shy away from exploring systemic issues, such as the impact of privilege and socioeconomic status on legal outcomes.
However, the book’s frequent timeline shifts, while thematically resonant, can be confusing at times, as the transitions between past and present are not always clear as they may occur in the middle of chapters or in the beginning of them, making it difficult to keep track of exactly what is going on as well as when.
At its core, “About Grace” is a coming-of-age story rooted in resilience and self-reclamation. While the book tackles some heavy topics, the book also offers a sense of hope, as Grace begins to find strength in therapy, unexpected friendships, and the process of understanding herself. Shoup’s portrayal of incarcerated youth feels raw and genuine, and Grace’s journey is one of both heartbreak and hope. For readers looking for a story that dives deep into the complexities of trauma and personal growth, this book is a must-read.
Barbara Shoup’s “About Grace” is an emotionally charged and unflinchingly honest portrayal of a young woman’s journey through trauma and accountability. The book has gripping storytelling with introspective character study, which helps Shoup craft a deeply human story that examines the complexities of the juvenile carceral system, the long shadow of past abuse, and the redemptive power of friendship. Before going into this review, I do want to note that this book is darker than I expected going into it, and this book may be triggering for some readers. The ARC I read did not have any content warnings at the beginning, but I definitely believe they are necessary. This book featured suicide, drug use, and child abuse. The child abuse may be especially triggering as this sexual abuse was depicted through Grace’s flashback as a child (9 years old) by a family friend, and this abuse was described through Grace’s perspective as a child. Please be aware of this specific content before going into this book so that you are prepared.
Grace Lowery is, on the surface, an average Midwestern teenager from a seemingly typical single-parent household. However, a series of poor decisions, spurred by her wealthy and reckless boyfriend, lands her in a state juvenile correctional facility for girls. As she navigates life in the facility, Grace encounters staff members who range from apathetic to caring, peers with their own complex backstories, and a system that exposes the stark inequalities of privilege and justice. The book alternates between Grace’s present in juvenile detention and flashbacks to her troubled past. These glimpses of her childhood reveal the fractures in her seemingly normal life, from her parents’ separation to the harrowing abuse she suffered at the hands of her Uncle Jack. The fragmented timeline mirrors Grace’s struggle to piece together her own story and make sense of her pain.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its authentic portrayal of incarcerated youth. Shoup’s experience with this demographic shines through in her nuanced depiction of the characters. They are flawed, rough-edged, and achingly real, offering a rare and much-needed perspective in young adult fiction. Each character has a distinct personality, even the more minor characters, and many of the girls in juvie are in much need of stability and care.
Grace’s relationships with others in the facility are another highlight. Her reluctant but ultimately meaningful friendship with Jessica, a fellow detainee who often pushes her religion, and her growing connection with Electra, offer glimpses of hope and humanity amid a harsh environment. The therapy sessions Grace attends, guided by a compassionate counselor, provide some of the book’s most poignant moments as Grace begins to confront her trauma and grief. The story also doesn’t shy away from exploring systemic issues, such as the impact of privilege and socioeconomic status on legal outcomes.
However, the book’s frequent timeline shifts, while thematically resonant, can be confusing at times, as the transitions between past and present are not always clear as they may occur in the middle of chapters or in the beginning of them, making it difficult to keep track of exactly what is going on as well as when.
At its core, “About Grace” is a coming-of-age story rooted in resilience and self-reclamation. While the book tackles some heavy topics, the book also offers a sense of hope, as Grace begins to find strength in therapy, unexpected friendships, and the process of understanding herself. Shoup’s portrayal of incarcerated youth feels raw and genuine, and Grace’s journey is one of both heartbreak and hope. For readers looking for a story that dives deep into the complexities of trauma and personal growth, this book is a must-read.
March 17, 2025
Today’s YA market is filled with tales of young people overcoming all obstacles and odds. There are also tales of young people searching to find identity in today’s much-changing, often unaccepting world.
Rare is the novel where contemporary events have already unfolded and our protagonist is faced with only consequences. But such a novel is About Grace.
Grace Lowery is a midwestern teenager. After being arrested for burglary after a botched home invasion, Grace is sent to the Madison County Juvenile Detention Facility for a period of less than a year. Her boyfriend Kyle hatched the plan after learning the house was unoccupied. But Kyle’s monetary circumstances allow him to go to a cushy boys school instead of prison.
Grace’s downward spiral is quick and evident. The divorcing of her parents was the start. Her dad’s marriage to the two-faced churchgoing Merlys added. Lack of attention from all parties contributed. Once they stop that, they blame Kyle. Exonerated from blame is the one person chiefly responsible. Grace was the victim of repeated child abuse from her aunt’s boyfriend Jack. But no one knows because of Jack’s threats. And Grace just blames herself.
Jessica and Electra are Grace’s two closest friends - one chose her and one she chose. These women are very much victims of circumstance. It is an interesting contrast to Grace’s story where it is her actions that caused her situation. I found Electra’s story more relatable and moving but Jessica’s is without a doubt more tragic.
The way the story is told leads me to believe Grace didn’t really know how to self-reflect. Her pain is directed inward. It is only through therapeutic intervention that Grace realizes things can be much deeper. The irony is that therapy probably wouldn’t have happened without the incarceration. When she finally does crack, the reader cannot help smiling through tears. This is why the audience for this novel could be larger than YA. Younger adults may see this moment as Grace succumbing or surrendering but adults can see the hope and self-reliance finally starting to blossom.
My strongest criticism is that the novel ends with Grace’s release. I feel it was too abrupt. I would have liked to see what happened post-release, especially concerning Kyle. Could they have managed to find a way back to each other? Possibly - for maybe Kyle had some similar introspection. I also wanted to know about Electra - did she find Grace in the outside world? This could have easily been accomplished with just a short epilogue.
If the point was to showcase what it is like inside a juvenile detention facility by way of a case study, the novel succeeds. But just like Grace discovers, there is much more to the story.
Rare is the novel where contemporary events have already unfolded and our protagonist is faced with only consequences. But such a novel is About Grace.
Grace Lowery is a midwestern teenager. After being arrested for burglary after a botched home invasion, Grace is sent to the Madison County Juvenile Detention Facility for a period of less than a year. Her boyfriend Kyle hatched the plan after learning the house was unoccupied. But Kyle’s monetary circumstances allow him to go to a cushy boys school instead of prison.
Grace’s downward spiral is quick and evident. The divorcing of her parents was the start. Her dad’s marriage to the two-faced churchgoing Merlys added. Lack of attention from all parties contributed. Once they stop that, they blame Kyle. Exonerated from blame is the one person chiefly responsible. Grace was the victim of repeated child abuse from her aunt’s boyfriend Jack. But no one knows because of Jack’s threats. And Grace just blames herself.
Jessica and Electra are Grace’s two closest friends - one chose her and one she chose. These women are very much victims of circumstance. It is an interesting contrast to Grace’s story where it is her actions that caused her situation. I found Electra’s story more relatable and moving but Jessica’s is without a doubt more tragic.
The way the story is told leads me to believe Grace didn’t really know how to self-reflect. Her pain is directed inward. It is only through therapeutic intervention that Grace realizes things can be much deeper. The irony is that therapy probably wouldn’t have happened without the incarceration. When she finally does crack, the reader cannot help smiling through tears. This is why the audience for this novel could be larger than YA. Younger adults may see this moment as Grace succumbing or surrendering but adults can see the hope and self-reliance finally starting to blossom.
My strongest criticism is that the novel ends with Grace’s release. I feel it was too abrupt. I would have liked to see what happened post-release, especially concerning Kyle. Could they have managed to find a way back to each other? Possibly - for maybe Kyle had some similar introspection. I also wanted to know about Electra - did she find Grace in the outside world? This could have easily been accomplished with just a short epilogue.
If the point was to showcase what it is like inside a juvenile detention facility by way of a case study, the novel succeeds. But just like Grace discovers, there is much more to the story.
July 5, 2025
Second chances don’t come along every day.
Grace’s character development was well done. As the layers of trauma she had experienced since early childhood were slowly peeled back, I saw glimpses of the person she’d been as a little girl as well as hints about who she might become as an adult who had worked through the pain and hopefully built a beautiful life for herself. I admired her vivid imagination and empathy for others. She was a well-rounded and memorable protagonist whose flaws only make me more interested in reading about her.
I would have liked to see more attention paid to resolving the conflicts by the end of this book. In no way did I expect everything to be neatly wrapped up due to how serious Grace’s problems were and how much therapy she still needed to work through them, but I finished reading this feeling a little unsatisfied with how everything was left off. Even a postscript that explained what happened next with the most important relationships in her life would have been enough for me to bump this up by a star.
Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that explored how social class affects the way young offenders are treated. Grace and the other residents at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility for Girls came from a wide variety of backgrounds, most of which involved poverty and the various side effects of a family never having enough time or money to deal with the painful challenges they faced in life. This isn’t a topic that is covered in the young adult genre as often as I’d like to see it brought up, especially when it comes to how it intersects with youth correctional facilities. Kudos to Ms. Shoup for inviting her readers into this world!
About Grace made me yearn for more.
Grace’s character development was well done. As the layers of trauma she had experienced since early childhood were slowly peeled back, I saw glimpses of the person she’d been as a little girl as well as hints about who she might become as an adult who had worked through the pain and hopefully built a beautiful life for herself. I admired her vivid imagination and empathy for others. She was a well-rounded and memorable protagonist whose flaws only make me more interested in reading about her.
I would have liked to see more attention paid to resolving the conflicts by the end of this book. In no way did I expect everything to be neatly wrapped up due to how serious Grace’s problems were and how much therapy she still needed to work through them, but I finished reading this feeling a little unsatisfied with how everything was left off. Even a postscript that explained what happened next with the most important relationships in her life would have been enough for me to bump this up by a star.
Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that explored how social class affects the way young offenders are treated. Grace and the other residents at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility for Girls came from a wide variety of backgrounds, most of which involved poverty and the various side effects of a family never having enough time or money to deal with the painful challenges they faced in life. This isn’t a topic that is covered in the young adult genre as often as I’d like to see it brought up, especially when it comes to how it intersects with youth correctional facilities. Kudos to Ms. Shoup for inviting her readers into this world!
About Grace made me yearn for more.
April 17, 2025
A brave, honest, cautionary and important book about a “typical” young girl coming of age without the protection of sufficient love, oversight, or privilege, who falls through the cracks of neglect and into the worst case scenario of incarceration. Yes, it can happen—to anyone. You’ll commiserate, sob, laugh, be appalled and on the edge of your seat as you watch Grace and her jailed cohorts manage their situations and make their decisions based on the askew logic of adolescents who have only their limited and tragic experiences to guide them. You’ll envision their future lives with every step. You may even remember past scenarios in your own life when the wrong boyfriend or misplaced trust could have brought you to the edge. A much needed book about how young adults are formed when society crushes them and how not to take resilience for granted. You’ll love Grace and her “class” of misfits. You’ll close the book and hug your kids hard.
Kudos to Shoup for taking this on.
Kudos to Shoup for taking this on.
May 1, 2025
You know how you trust a favorite author to take you on any literary journey they create, even if it’s not one you’d normally embark upon? Barbara Shoup does not disappoint in this courageous and gritty coming-of-age story. It’s Orange is the New Black meets Man’s Search for Meaning, reimagined with teenage girls in the present day. You will love Grace, you will ache for her, you will cheer for her. You will be angry on her behalf, because she doesn’t belong in juvie. Because, you will come to see, no one does. And yet, through counseling and creative writing, Grace does begin to grow towards a different life, like a dandelion growing up through a crack in the sidewalk. At the end of the story (spoiler alert!), you will be so happy for Grace’s freedom and so sad that the book is over. A compelling read with sympathetic characters, convincing dialogue, and a poignant story arc. Highly recommend. TW: childhood sexual abuse, abortion, suicide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2025
I loved reading this book and read it quickly as it sucked me in right from the beginning. The pacing was great, and you are rooting for the main character, Grace the whole time. This book is about a young woman named Grace who made some dumb decisions and got sent to juvenile detention. You get to see the people she met along the way, the staff that cares, the staff that didn't, the other girls that were also sent there and bits and pieces about their lives and why they were sent there. It also touches upon the fact that sometimes the consequences that are given out are not based on the crimes but on your status in life and who you know.
Note: I received this ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
Note: I received this ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
February 4, 2025
Grace seems like an average American girl. She has a boyfriend, does well in school, and lives in a middle-class neighborhood. However, after her boyfriend encourages her to make a series of bad decisions, she ends up in juvie. About Grace is a coming-of-age story that shows readers one view of life inside a juvenile correction facility and there is a lot of backstory that shows how she got there and some of the obstacles that were thrown in her way. This book is a short read and very raw with its imagery which will be appealing to many reluctant readers. There are some triggers within this story (suicide, molestation, and abortion to name a few), but they are covered with a light touch. About Grace was a compelling read, but I hope the final version has several errors fixed.
March 31, 2025
My favorite part of reading Y.A. fiction is it’s ability to focus on deep themes through the eyes of a teen discovering their own identity. Barbara Shoup’s About Grace, about one teen's journey through juvinile incarceration, is unflinching, sometimes stark and raw, but also funny and hopeful. Each character has a story that is devastating and real, yet Shoup also deftly shows the humanity behind those we tend to write off as "bad kids." Grace's awareness to the abuse that led her to incarceration is a tough read at times, but treated with a touch that makes you root for her despite her mistakes. I didn't want to leave Grace. She stuck with me and I wanted to know the next chapter in her story.
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January 13, 2025I was drawn to this book because I so rarely see incarcerated youth being realistically portrayed in YA fiction, and the book didn't disappoint. The author's note mentioned experience with incarcerated teens and it definitely showed. The characters are flawed, rough-edged, realistic to the setting. The book starts out fast and then it slows, grows more introspective, which again is suited to what it is: a character study more than anything else. No one just falls into prison. Shoup takes her time unfolding just enough of the girls' stories to understand them.
February 15, 2025
This was a quick read but delivers a lot of character growth. It was slow-paced and had a lot of introspection with glimpses into the main character's background, past trauma, and how she got into this situation that sent her to the correctional center in the first place. It's impossible not to feel sympathy for Grace, and I grew quite fond of her by the end of the book. Just as interesting as Grace are the other girls she meets in lockup and the author did a good job making them much more than just background characters. ABOUT GRACE is an excellent example of YA done right.
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April 16, 2025This is a dense, rich book that I was absorbed in quickly and throughout. Great characters. I felt like I was in juvenile detention with Grace. And I thought seventh grade was hard.
You understand how the girls got there and why so many others are unlikely to go despite equally bad decisions. There are lots of threads; the author weaves them all through beautifully.
There is tragedy in Grace's time there, but you know she will make it through. One of Shoup's best books.
You understand how the girls got there and why so many others are unlikely to go despite equally bad decisions. There are lots of threads; the author weaves them all through beautifully.
There is tragedy in Grace's time there, but you know she will make it through. One of Shoup's best books.
March 9, 2025
About Grace is a coming-of-age story about how wrong decisions led Grace to enter the juvenile criminal system. This, at times, harsh, emotional, and raw first-person storytelling point of view pulls you into the story. I enjoyed it very much.
June 19, 2025
Loved it
July 19, 2025
While Grace is plagued by childhood trauma, she does not allow it to halt her spirit. A stunningly written novel that riveted me from the start.
April 17, 2025
This was a touching and engaging story. You can't help but become invested in the main character Grace and what will happen to her. Shoup is an excellent writer. I could envision the setting and all the characters as I read the story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews