Sara Zarr Books in Order

Sixteen-year-old Deanna struggles with years of gossip and a damaged relationship with her father after an incident with an older boy. Hoping to escape home with her brother's family, she must confront shame, judgment, and the possibility of forgiveness.

Jenna has remade herself into a popular teenager after a lonely childhood, but she still remembers her closest friend, Cameron. His unexpected return forces them to revisit painful memories and consider how differently their lives have developed.

A young girl's disappearance brings national attention to Samara Taylor's small town while her own family grows increasingly distant. As suspicion falls on the missing girl's brother, Sam draws closer to him and wrestles with questions of faith and belonging.

Grieving her father, Jill resents her mother's decision to adopt a baby. Pregnant Mandy wants her child to have the security she lacked, bringing the two teenagers together as they struggle with loss, trust, and changing ideas of family.

Future college roommates Elizabeth and Lauren begin exchanging emails before they have ever met. Across a summer of strained family relationships, changing friendships, and new romances, their unexpected connection becomes a source of support as college approaches.

Lucy Beck-Moreau abandoned a promising piano career after a death and betrayal. When her younger brother gets a new teacher, she considers returning to music, but must decide whether she can play for herself rather than meet others' expectations.

Gem has spent years looking after her younger sister, Dixie, amid unreliable parents and insecurity. Their father's return opens an opportunity to leave together, but a short trip forces Gem to question what protecting their bond costs her.

Sara Zarr offers young artists encouragement and practical exercises for beginning and sustaining creative work. The book addresses perfectionism, fear of failure, comparison, and self-doubt, helping readers approach their projects with greater confidence and realistic expectations.

Kyle Baker withdraws from baseball, his girlfriend, and ordinary life after discovering his mother's affair and his father's silence. As his parents ask him to keep their secret, he must reconsider his responsibilities to family and himself.

Lou faces leaving her familiar city life when her mother remarries and the family moves. A mysterious birthday guitar, which she believes came from her father, becomes a way to hold onto a connection amid unsettling changes.

Drawing on her publishing career and creative-life podcast, Sara Zarr considers how writers can sustain their work beyond questions of technique. This handbook explores the personal and practical obstacles involved in making writing part of a lasting creative life.