"A winning collection for both teens and former teens, alike."--School Library Journal

"In 2010, writers Anderson and Kenneally launched a blog where authors posted letters written to themselves as teenagers; more than 70 of those entries are gathered in this book, from Tom Angleberger, Ellen Hopkins, Mitali Perkins, Dave Roman, Sara Zarr, and more. The letters are self-deprecating ('Let's just start by ripping off the Band-Aid, ' says Robin Benway. 'You need to let your bangs grow out'), encouraging ('Go ahead and embrace life on the social fringes, ' advises Beth Fantaskey), and revealing ('Even though you don't drink, a certain very cruel, very callous guy is drinking--and there's nothing I can do now to stop that thing from happening, ' writes Carrie Jones). The breadth of emotion and experience the entries cover guarantee that almost any reader will identify with some of the situations and anxieties expressed."--Publishers Weekly

"These letters from 70 YA authors were originally published in a still-active blog of the same name. Though supposedly writing to themselves as teens, the contributors offer not private messages but public advice and reassurance, usually on topics of widespread interest ranging from the lighthearted--hair care and fashion choices--to abuse, bullying, bulimia, and boyfriend behavior (probably the most common theme, as only 14 of the 70 are men, and some of those are gay). Perhaps because the lineup leans heavily toward younger white writers of paranormal fantasy, there is a certain uniformity of tone and outlook that comes through in frequent references to dance and theater experiences, college plans, and traumatic memories often related to bad parents or being smart or shy, rather than racial or ethnic identity. Nonetheless, along with plenty of (now) amusing anecdotes and hard-won insights, the letters dish up proof that, as Mike Jung puts it, 'time was on your side, though, and you made it!' Each letter ends with a brief biography and photo."--Booklist