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Alone Together: A Novel
Sadie Carter’s life is a mess, as wavy and tangled as her unruly hair. At 15, she is barely surviving the chaos of her large Catholic family. When one sister becomes pregnant and another is thrown out, her unemployed dad hides his depression, and her mom hides a secret. Sadie, the peacekeeper and rule-follower, has had enough. The empty refrigerator, years of hand-me-downs, and all the secrets have to stop. She longs for something more and plans her escape.
However, getting arrested was not her plan. Falling in love was not her plan. With the help of three mysterious strangers—a cop, a teacher, and a cute boy—maybe Sadie will find the strength to defy the rules and do the unexpected.
Told in verse, Sarah J. Donovan’s debut Alone Together has secrets, romance, struggle, sin, and redemption, all before Sadie blows out her 16 candles. It’s a courageously honest look at growing up in a big family.
However, getting arrested was not her plan. Falling in love was not her plan. With the help of three mysterious strangers—a cop, a teacher, and a cute boy—maybe Sadie will find the strength to defy the rules and do the unexpected.
Told in verse, Sarah J. Donovan’s debut Alone Together has secrets, romance, struggle, sin, and redemption, all before Sadie blows out her 16 candles. It’s a courageously honest look at growing up in a big family.
262 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2018
10 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Sarah J. Donovan
24 books114 followersSarah J. Donovan, Ph.D., is a a former junior high language arts teacher of fifteen years and an Associate Professor of Secondary English Education at Oklahoma State University. She served as co-editor for the online journal Writers Who Care. She wrote Genocide Literature in Middle and Secondary Classrooms (2016) and the young adult novel, Alone Together (2018). She is the founder of Ethical ELA, a free online resource for educators to nurture and sustain their teaching lives. Her research focuses on inclusive curriculum and ethical, humanizing methods of instruction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 26, 2021
10/26/21: Reread for my Fall 2021 YAL class. Sarah (a friend and former student) zoomed into my class, leading us in a writing assignment connecting to her semi-autobiographical "verse" novel, and then took us through a lecture/discussion what she was trying to accomplish with the book. Cool?!
12/5/18: Just reread for my Fall 2018 YA class, which the author was gracious enough to visit!
4/7/18: Original review, edited a little:
Sarah Donovan is a former student of mine, a middle school English teacher, and university teacher educator, with a pretty influential blog, Ethicalela, based in part on her own teaching. She's also a good friend. Last fall she made the time to write this middle school level verse novel about growing up in a big family (12 kids for the main character and the author). I am not likely going to be all that "objective" about it.
Sadie Carter is 15, one of 12 children, with a Dad who is unemployed and distant, and a Mom who is working two jobs and is increasingly distant. Largely unavailable to Sadie and the rest of her children. As the book opens Sadie has been caught shoplifting. Older sisters get out of the crazy house as soon as they can. There's not enough food, the electric bills sometimes go unpaid, they all have to work to help cover family costs as soon as they can. One sister, Teresa, 14, gets pregnant and keeps the baby.
Sadie has anxiety. She is introverted. She walks to find "the place between panic and peace." She is supported by Mr. Manicotti, a teacher, and her godmother, and her sisters when her parents emotionally abandon her. She's quietly religious, a good volleyball-playing Catholic girl. As happens to many teens, she begins to explore the possibilities for sex even as her sister gets bigger with child. An older boy at work, Sam, is a possibility; Henry (being home-schooled so he can care for his own fragile mother), too. She finds reading and writing and feminist ideas as means to develop her sense of self.
I just reread Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and there are some parallels in Sadie's learning to speak and express herself, mentored by texts written by women.
Those feminist ideas aren't yet adequate to help her come to terms with her mother's choices, and why her mother spends so much time with her friend Eve when the kids need her. Sadie can't yet figure that out, exactly, nor how to become "alone together" in any relationship or in a too big family.
Some beautiful, poetic writing in this short book! A book about a white working class family, class issues, poverty, sex, introversion, big families, depression, glbtq issues, and more. Recommend you check it out! Hurrah, Sarah!
12/5/18: Just reread for my Fall 2018 YA class, which the author was gracious enough to visit!
4/7/18: Original review, edited a little:
Sarah Donovan is a former student of mine, a middle school English teacher, and university teacher educator, with a pretty influential blog, Ethicalela, based in part on her own teaching. She's also a good friend. Last fall she made the time to write this middle school level verse novel about growing up in a big family (12 kids for the main character and the author). I am not likely going to be all that "objective" about it.
Sadie Carter is 15, one of 12 children, with a Dad who is unemployed and distant, and a Mom who is working two jobs and is increasingly distant. Largely unavailable to Sadie and the rest of her children. As the book opens Sadie has been caught shoplifting. Older sisters get out of the crazy house as soon as they can. There's not enough food, the electric bills sometimes go unpaid, they all have to work to help cover family costs as soon as they can. One sister, Teresa, 14, gets pregnant and keeps the baby.
Sadie has anxiety. She is introverted. She walks to find "the place between panic and peace." She is supported by Mr. Manicotti, a teacher, and her godmother, and her sisters when her parents emotionally abandon her. She's quietly religious, a good volleyball-playing Catholic girl. As happens to many teens, she begins to explore the possibilities for sex even as her sister gets bigger with child. An older boy at work, Sam, is a possibility; Henry (being home-schooled so he can care for his own fragile mother), too. She finds reading and writing and feminist ideas as means to develop her sense of self.
I just reread Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and there are some parallels in Sadie's learning to speak and express herself, mentored by texts written by women.
Those feminist ideas aren't yet adequate to help her come to terms with her mother's choices, and why her mother spends so much time with her friend Eve when the kids need her. Sadie can't yet figure that out, exactly, nor how to become "alone together" in any relationship or in a too big family.
Some beautiful, poetic writing in this short book! A book about a white working class family, class issues, poverty, sex, introversion, big families, depression, glbtq issues, and more. Recommend you check it out! Hurrah, Sarah!
April 18, 2018
Alone together is written in verse giving the story a unique style. The book is broken up into individual headings but follows perfectly.
Sadie Carter is one of many. She has so many brothers and sisters it's hard to keep up. In fact, the author numbers them instead of giving their names up front. Her family are strict catholic's and Sadie has to watch how her parent's views affect the dynamics of the family. It's complete chaos and the chance of having something of her own is slim. Her clothes are hand downs, her time is shared and her fridge is empty. When a large family go to the supermarket a box of pop tarts is snapped up. 6 just aren't enough.
Sadie is struggling to fit in her family. The rules are hard to follow. Her friends are going to parties and her family is spreading out. Sadie just wants her own sanctuary. She begins to act out finding herself in trouble. Secrets, Catholic sins and romance are mixed in with all the chaos.
This was an interesting idea for a story and the style is unique. It definitely got me thinking about my own upbringing. I'm a child of 3. The middle child. I didn't have the responsibility of the oldest nor the full hand me downs of the youngest but the one thing I did learn was I craved for the attention of an only child. I can't imagine coming from such a large family. Alone together is a glimpse into that reality and what it means for a younger sibling. The Catholic twist also made me glad in a modern world people are more accepted for who they are... or hopefully they are.
3 stars out of 5. I received an ARC as part of the blog tour. My review is honest and fair.
Sadie Carter is one of many. She has so many brothers and sisters it's hard to keep up. In fact, the author numbers them instead of giving their names up front. Her family are strict catholic's and Sadie has to watch how her parent's views affect the dynamics of the family. It's complete chaos and the chance of having something of her own is slim. Her clothes are hand downs, her time is shared and her fridge is empty. When a large family go to the supermarket a box of pop tarts is snapped up. 6 just aren't enough.
Sadie is struggling to fit in her family. The rules are hard to follow. Her friends are going to parties and her family is spreading out. Sadie just wants her own sanctuary. She begins to act out finding herself in trouble. Secrets, Catholic sins and romance are mixed in with all the chaos.
This was an interesting idea for a story and the style is unique. It definitely got me thinking about my own upbringing. I'm a child of 3. The middle child. I didn't have the responsibility of the oldest nor the full hand me downs of the youngest but the one thing I did learn was I craved for the attention of an only child. I can't imagine coming from such a large family. Alone together is a glimpse into that reality and what it means for a younger sibling. The Catholic twist also made me glad in a modern world people are more accepted for who they are... or hopefully they are.
3 stars out of 5. I received an ARC as part of the blog tour. My review is honest and fair.
April 30, 2023
A BEAUTIFUL novel in verse that teaches the importance of FAMILY and having a BIG HEART even when you feel alone! Sadie Carter’s life is a mess. At 15, she is barely surviving the chaos of her large Catholic family. When the family becomes crazy, Sadie has had enough and longs for something more and plans her escape. However, getting arrested and falling in love was not her plan. With the help of 3 strangers in her life, Sadie maybe will find the strength to defy the rules and to do the unexpected. A poetry novel that has secrets, romance, struggle, sin, and redemption! A wonderful book!
April 12, 2018
It is debut book of Sarah J.Donovan, so she was new for me. As I started the book I hooked right away.
I haven't read any book which is written in verses, it was uniquely beautiful, It is exceptional how Sarah weave all these complex characters and describe them beautifully using few words compare to others.
Sadie Carter,15 is from a complicated and large family, she is 9th in 11 children. Everyone is different and strange from other, Father doesn't work so everyone has to work for their expenses and struggling in their lives. Sadie is aloof in her family and thinks why so many?.She falls for everyone who shows even a little bit affection towards her until she found to love herself.
The story is so real and raw, showing a side of society, or hypocrisy, when Parents don't play their parts in children lives enough, and play religion card to hide their hypocrisy.
This book was too short to have many characters but it didn't lack anywhere. If you like to read books in verses it is for you.
I haven't read any book which is written in verses, it was uniquely beautiful, It is exceptional how Sarah weave all these complex characters and describe them beautifully using few words compare to others.
Sadie Carter,15 is from a complicated and large family, she is 9th in 11 children. Everyone is different and strange from other, Father doesn't work so everyone has to work for their expenses and struggling in their lives. Sadie is aloof in her family and thinks why so many?.She falls for everyone who shows even a little bit affection towards her until she found to love herself.
The story is so real and raw, showing a side of society, or hypocrisy, when Parents don't play their parts in children lives enough, and play religion card to hide their hypocrisy.
This book was too short to have many characters but it didn't lack anywhere. If you like to read books in verses it is for you.
April 4, 2018
What I love about this book is how unique Sadie is, and yet, we can all identify with her. Whether it's her love of all-things-reading, her feeling of quirkiness as a teen, or her inability to identify with most members of her larger-than-large Catholic family, there's a little bit of Sadie for everyone.
Her quest to find herself in her own space, in addition to this complex world, is both raw and real. Sadie is a teen like any other in an extremely complicated family...yet they show love in the best ways they can. (Well, most of them do anyway.) Sadie falls for boys, worries about her looks, and tries to care for her family in the best way she can, even when she doesn't know how to begin.
In all of this, the beauty is that Sadie is also an original. What Sarah Donovan has done is allowed Sadie to breathe free, even in and amongst the chaos. Through careful storytelling, rich details, and astute observations, Sadie becomes someone whom we can trust and understand from the very first lines.
Additionally, I love that Sarah chose the verse form for this book. It flows sweetly and powerfully though Sadie's year--some moments swift and fluid, others lingering just long enough to pull us in. Some particular scenes I love are the ones with Henry in the bookstore (where Sadie renews her love of reading in a mature way--a means of "becoming" again) and her time with Sam and Mr. Manicotti, both of whom believe in her for different reasons when no one else does.
I also appreciate the family dynamics. So much going on in this home filled with people, and though there's much to dissect and ponder, Sarah offers an empathetic and complex view of each character. They have depth, they have volume, and they elicit a sense of compassion, even when you want to be angry with them. This is the work of a strong writer.
Especially as a woman, this book speaks to me on many levels. Alone Together drives home the central idea that who we are and what we bring to the table are of the utmost importance. Between Sadie's reading of authors such as Manal Sharif and Maya Angelou, to her willingness to strike out on her own for the summer, Donovan reminds us that all of us have a place within us to flourish and grow--no matter what limitations or obstacles stand in our way.
Though in the book many try to "take care of" Sadie, she shows that she can take care of herself just fine. A testament to the fact that we can all be "Alone, Together" after all, and it's not such a bad thing. What a gift this can be.
A great book for all!
Her quest to find herself in her own space, in addition to this complex world, is both raw and real. Sadie is a teen like any other in an extremely complicated family...yet they show love in the best ways they can. (Well, most of them do anyway.) Sadie falls for boys, worries about her looks, and tries to care for her family in the best way she can, even when she doesn't know how to begin.
In all of this, the beauty is that Sadie is also an original. What Sarah Donovan has done is allowed Sadie to breathe free, even in and amongst the chaos. Through careful storytelling, rich details, and astute observations, Sadie becomes someone whom we can trust and understand from the very first lines.
Additionally, I love that Sarah chose the verse form for this book. It flows sweetly and powerfully though Sadie's year--some moments swift and fluid, others lingering just long enough to pull us in. Some particular scenes I love are the ones with Henry in the bookstore (where Sadie renews her love of reading in a mature way--a means of "becoming" again) and her time with Sam and Mr. Manicotti, both of whom believe in her for different reasons when no one else does.
I also appreciate the family dynamics. So much going on in this home filled with people, and though there's much to dissect and ponder, Sarah offers an empathetic and complex view of each character. They have depth, they have volume, and they elicit a sense of compassion, even when you want to be angry with them. This is the work of a strong writer.
Especially as a woman, this book speaks to me on many levels. Alone Together drives home the central idea that who we are and what we bring to the table are of the utmost importance. Between Sadie's reading of authors such as Manal Sharif and Maya Angelou, to her willingness to strike out on her own for the summer, Donovan reminds us that all of us have a place within us to flourish and grow--no matter what limitations or obstacles stand in our way.
Though in the book many try to "take care of" Sadie, she shows that she can take care of herself just fine. A testament to the fact that we can all be "Alone, Together" after all, and it's not such a bad thing. What a gift this can be.
A great book for all!
March 11, 2018
I loved the voice of this novel, falling hard for Sadie and her role in a big family that she both loves and feels burdened by. I read the book in one take, not wanting to put it down until I knew how Sadie would turn out.
Reading as a teacher educator who prepares middle and high school teachers to rethink their views of adolescence (through a Youth Lens), I was especially interested in the ways that the book offers a beautiful look at classed adolescence. In other words, Sadie could be seen as "serious" because a "natural" or conventional adolescence is not one she takes up because of real, severe class worries tied to food availability, the possibility of good rest at night, and a general lack of resources. In this way, I can see it in relation to Junior in Alexie's True Diary, for example, as a well-known book, but also Julie Murphy's Ramona Blue. Not enough YA texts give voice to a classed adolescence like this.
But there is even more there that is beautiful with regard to adolescence, including a portrayal of young women as pleasured by sex, something that is increasing in representations of YA, but still not prevalent. I thought this representation was bold by Donovan, and important to get into the hands of youth--especially young women--regularly policed for just having sexual feelings.
Brava, Sarah Donovan!
Reading as a teacher educator who prepares middle and high school teachers to rethink their views of adolescence (through a Youth Lens), I was especially interested in the ways that the book offers a beautiful look at classed adolescence. In other words, Sadie could be seen as "serious" because a "natural" or conventional adolescence is not one she takes up because of real, severe class worries tied to food availability, the possibility of good rest at night, and a general lack of resources. In this way, I can see it in relation to Junior in Alexie's True Diary, for example, as a well-known book, but also Julie Murphy's Ramona Blue. Not enough YA texts give voice to a classed adolescence like this.
But there is even more there that is beautiful with regard to adolescence, including a portrayal of young women as pleasured by sex, something that is increasing in representations of YA, but still not prevalent. I thought this representation was bold by Donovan, and important to get into the hands of youth--especially young women--regularly policed for just having sexual feelings.
Brava, Sarah Donovan!
December 9, 2020
I received a free ARC of this book as part of the book launch team. I am not being paid for my review.
One of the reasons I wanted to be apart of this book launch so badly was because of my position as a middle school English teacher. I am constantly looking for books that will speak to my students and get them to love reading. My whole curriculum is based around getting kids to choose their own books and to be constantly reading throughout the whole year. I know that the Sarah J. Donovan has a similar background as an educator and as a reader of young adult novels. She knows firsthand what many kids are struggling with today and how important reading is to their overall wellbeing and growth. So when she announced she had written her own book, I just knew that I had to read it.
Donovan does not disappoint! Her main character Sadie (as well as many of her other characters) is remarkably, and utterly real. Donovan writes with a very authentic tone that readers (young adults as well as adult readers) will be able to relate to. The fact that the book is written in verse only made the overall message all the more powerful and moving.
With Donovan’s style, it is as if the true emotions of the characters are felt more by the reader. The use of white space, line breaks, and the subtraction of numerous sentences of prose allows the reader to feel the emotions of the character. Rather than just getting a play-by-play, you get to live in Sadie's thoughts as her story unfolds.
What I love most about this book is the title. You will know what I mean when you read the book. When I read through the novel and experienced what Donovan meant by being “alone together” I wanted to cry. Her message is a powerful one that all of us experience in our lives. Not only is it an important message for young adolescents, but also for adults still trying to find their way in life.
Donovan’s first book should be put on everybody's list. I know I certainly can’t wait until she writes her next great novel!
One of the reasons I wanted to be apart of this book launch so badly was because of my position as a middle school English teacher. I am constantly looking for books that will speak to my students and get them to love reading. My whole curriculum is based around getting kids to choose their own books and to be constantly reading throughout the whole year. I know that the Sarah J. Donovan has a similar background as an educator and as a reader of young adult novels. She knows firsthand what many kids are struggling with today and how important reading is to their overall wellbeing and growth. So when she announced she had written her own book, I just knew that I had to read it.
Donovan does not disappoint! Her main character Sadie (as well as many of her other characters) is remarkably, and utterly real. Donovan writes with a very authentic tone that readers (young adults as well as adult readers) will be able to relate to. The fact that the book is written in verse only made the overall message all the more powerful and moving.
With Donovan’s style, it is as if the true emotions of the characters are felt more by the reader. The use of white space, line breaks, and the subtraction of numerous sentences of prose allows the reader to feel the emotions of the character. Rather than just getting a play-by-play, you get to live in Sadie's thoughts as her story unfolds.
What I love most about this book is the title. You will know what I mean when you read the book. When I read through the novel and experienced what Donovan meant by being “alone together” I wanted to cry. Her message is a powerful one that all of us experience in our lives. Not only is it an important message for young adolescents, but also for adults still trying to find their way in life.
Donovan’s first book should be put on everybody's list. I know I certainly can’t wait until she writes her next great novel!
February 1, 2018
I was hooked from the first line. The characters, their personalities and perspectives are complex and nuanced in interesting ways. There are no stereotypes or clearly delineated boxes here. Sadie, her family, and her friends are some of the "realest" characters I've encountered. Donovan invites and encourages readers to connect to and learn with Sadie as she navigates the joys and difficulties of finding oneself in a large family and world. Haunting, hopeful, and written in beautiful verse, the story of Sadie and her family will stick with me for a long time.
January 31, 2018
Honest and forlorn insight into the childhood of a young girl practically raising herself in a home full of children who feel like “numbers” rather than precious souls.
April 6, 2019
Love this verse novel about the challenges and triumphs of family! Sarah reaches into the raw wounds and feelings - disappointments and successes- and shows us that there is a life to be lived - and asks us what we will do with our one wild and precious life!
November 21, 2022
Dr. Sarah Donovan's verse novel shares Sadie's story, a young girl who has a very large family. A family who has a depressed father and a mom who may be having an affair with another woman, a sister who is pregnant, and another sister who has been rejected because she is gay. I was completely pulled into Sadie's world. She works at a pizza joint and wishes to be kissed by Sam, a guy much older. If you want to find a wonderful book for teens struggling through a variety of issues, this book is just for you. I highly recommend it!
August 18, 2018
Loved this book. I see so much of myself in the main character. I had some unanswered questions at the end of the book, but I kinda think that was the point. Sadie doesn't have it all figured out, but she's starting to understand herself better. Sarah's writing is lovely, and the melancholy of the beginning of the booked segued nicely into the hopefulness of the ending. A great debut!
September 9, 2021
Sadie is in many ways a typical tern, but she is also from a family w/ eleven children competing for physical space and parental needs. This touching verse novel follows Sadie through one year of high school as she shared her family and school troubles. This novel will appeal to many students, especially those w/ a strong sense of religious faith and economic struggles, as well as those who feel the unfairness of life pressing in on them.
March 26, 2018
So many soft spots, unexpected connections. Sadie has a way of finding herself that is empowering.
The literary references make this book smart. The large family makes it real. The range of issues make it diverse and equal. The verse makes Alone Together accessible.
The literary references make this book smart. The large family makes it real. The range of issues make it diverse and equal. The verse makes Alone Together accessible.
December 14, 2020
My book club facilitator wrote this gem! I have meant to read it for awhile now and never got around to it with my stacks of books. I am so glad that I made time for it. It was real and devastating, but ended with hope.
March 25, 2018
I connected with Sadie right away as she worked to figure out who she is as herself and as a sister. My seventh graders will love it.
March 15, 2018
I was so drawn into the family dynamic. It made me sad, hopeful, and angry, all at the same time, and I ached for Sadie throughout so many pages. I was definitely captivated by the story. My favorite part was the usage of numbers along with names for the children. I truly believe that helped the author authentically show what was missing from their lives.
January 31, 2018
I was hooked from the "Dedication", and I didn't stop reading until I had finished the entire book. That the story is told in verse adds so much depth to the characters and affords the reader a unique perspective into life as a lonely, teenaged girl. I was rooting for Sadie to find what she had been missing, what she had deserved.
April 15, 2018
This is a beautiful book, a quick read, full of compelling characters and concepts. I read this with the students in my YA Literature class at LSU. Many had never read a verse novel before, but they loved this because, as one student said, it's just very well done.
May 22, 2018
I really enjoy books done in poetry. The struggles in a very large family, with disconnected parents.
September 26, 2018
This was a lovely, moving quick read that is written in verse. I will be recommending it to many students!
April 9, 2018
Sarah J. Donovan's debut novel is absolutely dazzling. Alone together is penned in verse form, and it's ravishing that either type of people can enjoy it ; those who love prose, those who breath poetry. This is a fantastic book, which keeps you indulged in it.
She explains Sadie's story exquisitely. Bringing attention to what it's like to be a member of a huge family, where eggs and toast and pies are considered a luxury.
Mom never joins us at the table.
I wonder if does not want to eat with us.
I wonder if she prefers her elbow room in the sink.
I wonder if she is imagining a bigger table.
I wonder if she is imagining a different life.
Mom, you can have my seat.
I want to stand at the kitchen sink
Alone
to imagine
and have a little more elbow room.
I loved the way she kept the flow going smoothly, from the first to the last page. I skipped through the pages like they were on fire and finished it within a couple of hours.
The chapters are named after the Calendar, starting with August and going till July. The sentences are simple, aesthetic and meaningful. The book is a tale of Sadie's imperfect life in a house sheltering 13 members, the 14th about to arrive, although not welcomed. The parents drifting apart and the sibling revelries make it all the more interesting. J. Donovan fiercely tells the tell of Sadie practically raising herself, in a house where children are not precious angels, but merely numbers.
Hannah,
my big sister —
not my mom,
not my dad—
takes me
to the airport.
O’Hare.
International terminal.
Departures.
Hannah
does her best
to mother me:
“Toothbrush?
Tampons?
Tylenol?”
“Check. Check. Check.
Isn’t it a little late
to ask me this?”
“Right. Right.
Passport?
Boarding pass?
Camera?”
“Check. Check. No.”
Hannah hands me
an I-Phone 4S,
says the camera still works.
Hannah hands me
a twenty,
says just in case.
Hannah hugs me,
says I’ll be fine.
I would rate this book out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars. Recommended to all above the age of 14.

She explains Sadie's story exquisitely. Bringing attention to what it's like to be a member of a huge family, where eggs and toast and pies are considered a luxury.
Mom never joins us at the table.
I wonder if does not want to eat with us.
I wonder if she prefers her elbow room in the sink.
I wonder if she is imagining a bigger table.
I wonder if she is imagining a different life.
Mom, you can have my seat.
I want to stand at the kitchen sink
Alone
to imagine
and have a little more elbow room.
I loved the way she kept the flow going smoothly, from the first to the last page. I skipped through the pages like they were on fire and finished it within a couple of hours.
The chapters are named after the Calendar, starting with August and going till July. The sentences are simple, aesthetic and meaningful. The book is a tale of Sadie's imperfect life in a house sheltering 13 members, the 14th about to arrive, although not welcomed. The parents drifting apart and the sibling revelries make it all the more interesting. J. Donovan fiercely tells the tell of Sadie practically raising herself, in a house where children are not precious angels, but merely numbers.
Hannah,
my big sister —
not my mom,
not my dad—
takes me
to the airport.
O’Hare.
International terminal.
Departures.
Hannah
does her best
to mother me:
“Toothbrush?
Tampons?
Tylenol?”
“Check. Check. Check.
Isn’t it a little late
to ask me this?”
“Right. Right.
Passport?
Boarding pass?
Camera?”
“Check. Check. No.”
Hannah hands me
an I-Phone 4S,
says the camera still works.
Hannah hands me
a twenty,
says just in case.
Hannah hugs me,
says I’ll be fine.
I would rate this book out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars. Recommended to all above the age of 14.

December 14, 2024
An interesting flip on a coming of age novel through the culmination of poetry. Walking through a teenage girl (Sadie)’s perspective on life. Exploring her fears, worries, anxieties, experiences, embarrassments, and sinfulness. Further normalizing the difficulty of being a teenage girl in a large family. With little attention on her, and the little she got was usually negative, cold, and harsh. As for many other teens, blending in was the easy thing to do. The vulnerability of the author created a personal connection between the writer of the poems and the reader. As if things weren’t difficult enough for this 15 year old girl, her father is unemployed and struggling with depression. She is forced into conforming to a large Catholic family. Even after all the wrongs she has committedThe book reaches its first dilemma shortly after the first few pages of verse. Even when living in Chicago, money was low and Sadie stole a dress from her work. This impulsive action ends up getting caught. Now, she is forced to navigate the consequences of her action. All this, and much more, is exemplified in Alone Together.
. As stated before, she is an extremely relatable character. Especially to teen girls going through issues such as hers. The openness of how she talks about everything through poetry is truly inspiring. Through the verse, I was slowly convinced to sit in a comfortable chair, have a cup of hot chocolate, and write some poetry of my own.
Overall this collection of poems interweaving into a story was a breath of fresh air. Not only the storyline, but also the format of the book. I felt a connection with the girl. It was almost like she was telling me all these stories while I was right there. If you enjoy reading stories in verse I would highly recommend this novel. Though the first few pages may seem daunting the plot quickly thickens. Causing curiosity and further appreciation for this style of writing.
. As stated before, she is an extremely relatable character. Especially to teen girls going through issues such as hers. The openness of how she talks about everything through poetry is truly inspiring. Through the verse, I was slowly convinced to sit in a comfortable chair, have a cup of hot chocolate, and write some poetry of my own.
Overall this collection of poems interweaving into a story was a breath of fresh air. Not only the storyline, but also the format of the book. I felt a connection with the girl. It was almost like she was telling me all these stories while I was right there. If you enjoy reading stories in verse I would highly recommend this novel. Though the first few pages may seem daunting the plot quickly thickens. Causing curiosity and further appreciation for this style of writing.
May 22, 2018
Although it’s a quick read, Alone Together addresses topics that encourage us to take the time to reflect on. Depression, abandonment, poverty, and LGBT+ are a few of the larger ideas that the main character, Sadie encounters. Told in verse, Sadie shares her experience of being number nine of eleven siblings in a household that is continuing to ask more from her over the course of her sophomore year of high school. The first poem, “Getting Arrested,” shows how much Sadie strives for a sense of normalcy in her life; she wants a dress for prom, she wants a car, she wants to eat her stolen pop tarts in peace, she wants the attention from a couple of cute boys who also want her attention, and she wants all this without being dependent on anyone else.
I am really excited to add this story to my library for middle and high schoolers—I actually have to purchase another copy because I don’t want to share mine! I personally loved how even though it was a coming of age story and that Sadie’s character surely developed considering the experiences she had with her family, she didn’t learn everything she needs to know by the end of the year; she shows that she still has a lot of growing and learning to do and that’s the real honest fact of being a teenager. It takes us much more than our sophomore year to truly grow. I deeply appreciate the ending because it shows us Sadie’s difficult decision of setting her initial plans for normalcy aside for what I believe is a greater plan for her whether she knows this or not.
Thank you, Dr. Donovan!
I am really excited to add this story to my library for middle and high schoolers—I actually have to purchase another copy because I don’t want to share mine! I personally loved how even though it was a coming of age story and that Sadie’s character surely developed considering the experiences she had with her family, she didn’t learn everything she needs to know by the end of the year; she shows that she still has a lot of growing and learning to do and that’s the real honest fact of being a teenager. It takes us much more than our sophomore year to truly grow. I deeply appreciate the ending because it shows us Sadie’s difficult decision of setting her initial plans for normalcy aside for what I believe is a greater plan for her whether she knows this or not.
Thank you, Dr. Donovan!
August 14, 2018
I had the pleasure of attending one of Sarah's sessions at nErDcampMI this summer. That led to getting to meet her and have some really interesting conversations with her about teaching. I'm so glad that I read Alone Together before the school year officially starts in a few days. There is so much to like about this debut novel written in verse. Sadie Carter's experiences in navigating high school, personal mistakes, family issues, and teenage romance are ones that will speak to many readers. The form and organization of the book, not to mention the story, make it an accessible read that students will fly through.
While this book will appeal to readers of all walks of life, I find the focus on the large, Catholic family to be a great bonus (I teach at a Catholic high school). Sarah manages to inject faith into this story in a way that isn't forced or preachy. Overall, Alone Together is a fantastic read and is one that verse novel fans (particularly of the coming of age and romance varieties) will devour.
While this book will appeal to readers of all walks of life, I find the focus on the large, Catholic family to be a great bonus (I teach at a Catholic high school). Sarah manages to inject faith into this story in a way that isn't forced or preachy. Overall, Alone Together is a fantastic read and is one that verse novel fans (particularly of the coming of age and romance varieties) will devour.
March 4, 2020
A beautiful, touching novel-in-verse told from Sadie, a 15-year old in a chaotic Catholic family of eleven children. Told in verse to represent Sadie's "fragmented thinking," the stream-of-conscious narration feels like peeking into Sadie's head.
Sadie's family is chaos. One sister becomes pregnant and disowned, her unemployed father becomes increasingly depressed and hostile, and her mother is clearly hiding something. Sadie is a peace-keeper and tries to follow all the rules, but she struggles to hide her resentement. The fridge is empty, she gets little attention, and she longs for a life outside her home and finds it in a friendly older boy.
An honest look at how alone we can feel while surrounded by people who love us. A story of love, family, friendship, romance, rebellion, and hope.
Sadie's family is chaos. One sister becomes pregnant and disowned, her unemployed father becomes increasingly depressed and hostile, and her mother is clearly hiding something. Sadie is a peace-keeper and tries to follow all the rules, but she struggles to hide her resentement. The fridge is empty, she gets little attention, and she longs for a life outside her home and finds it in a friendly older boy.
An honest look at how alone we can feel while surrounded by people who love us. A story of love, family, friendship, romance, rebellion, and hope.
May 1, 2018
This is an achingly tender tale of a young woman who is searching for her most authentic self. In a huge family where she is the rule keeper, she longs for an uninterrupted shower and a Poptart of her own.
Every carefully chosen word in these verses reveals that Sadie is willing to expose herself. She fails. She makes bad choices. She discovers what she needs to thrive. She learns how to be a friend, a sister, a daughter and a citizen in the larger world.
You will fall in love a little bit with this charming character, her siblings and the teacher and young men who swirl around in this one year of her life.
Every carefully chosen word in these verses reveals that Sadie is willing to expose herself. She fails. She makes bad choices. She discovers what she needs to thrive. She learns how to be a friend, a sister, a daughter and a citizen in the larger world.
You will fall in love a little bit with this charming character, her siblings and the teacher and young men who swirl around in this one year of her life.
May 6, 2018
I've never read a book written in verse before, and I honestly didn't realize this one was written that way, but I was pleasantly surprised that I started to enjoy the story after a few verses.
Sadie has a large Catholic family, who are very strict yet you come to realize that they are really hypocrites. She feels alone, even having so many siblings, and wonders a lot why her parents had so many children - the answer may surprise.
I thought this was a good book. If you enjoy books written in verse, you'd probably enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
Sadie has a large Catholic family, who are very strict yet you come to realize that they are really hypocrites. She feels alone, even having so many siblings, and wonders a lot why her parents had so many children - the answer may surprise.
I thought this was a good book. If you enjoy books written in verse, you'd probably enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
April 6, 2018
Sadie is a 15-year-old girl who is struggling to hold it together. She is part of a very large, dysfunctional family, and sees herself as invisible. Her parents have some major issues of their own to deal with, and they hide behind their religion instead of working through problems as a family. As a result, Sadie begins to rebel. Though she may not realize it, her behavior begins to change the more she struggles to keep up with all the family drama.
Congrats to Sarah Donovan on a great debut! My students who love novels in verse are really going to enjoy this book!
Congrats to Sarah Donovan on a great debut! My students who love novels in verse are really going to enjoy this book!
May 3, 2018
Thank you to Sarah J. Donovan for providing me with this e-arc.
I have to say, I do love a book written in verse. This defiantly ups the standards of character development in a verse written book though. The whole premise of this book was very unique. The relationships in this are crazy but all intertwine, especially with all of the siblings, which are all numbered and I think that was a super good idea on the author's part because it would be too hard to remember the names of everyone. I would recommend this to anyone who likes books written in verse or about large families.
I have to say, I do love a book written in verse. This defiantly ups the standards of character development in a verse written book though. The whole premise of this book was very unique. The relationships in this are crazy but all intertwine, especially with all of the siblings, which are all numbered and I think that was a super good idea on the author's part because it would be too hard to remember the names of everyone. I would recommend this to anyone who likes books written in verse or about large families.
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