The New York Times
“Yet it’s not single acts of heroism but the solidarity of the community, people’s ability to come together both in times of need and to celebrate occasions for joy, that is most moving and inspiring [about Stella by Starlight]. In honoring those like Stella and her family who went before us, Draper has written a novel that soars.”
– Holly Goldberg Sloan, The New York Times
Publishers Weekly
★ “Timely and genuine... Draper doesn’t shy away from challenging or uncomfortable topics”
－ Publishers Weekly
School Library Journal
“Draper writes with grace, compassion, and respect for the intelligence and emotional lives of young readers. [Blended] is Draper at her best, penning a current and ultimately uplifting story. It deserves a place on library shelves along with her other outstanding works.”
– Carol Connor, School Library Journal
Book Buyer for Borders Head Office
“[Out of My Mind] is more than a book about a girl with special needs. It holds up a mirror for all of us to see how we react to people with disabilities that make us uncomfortable. I encourage everyone to read this.”
– Susan Aikens, Book Buyer for Borders Head Office
Booklist Starred Review
“Uplifting and upsetting, [Out of My Mind] is a book that defies age categorization, an easy enough read for upper-elementary students yet also a story that will enlighten and resonate with teens and adults…this moving novel will make activists of us all.”
– Frances Bradburn, Booklist Starred Review
The Fresno Bee
“Stella by Starlight is an appealing, thought-provoking read for kids and adults - and a standout for introducing kids to a difficult chapter in U.S. history with compelling courage and relatable characters rather than graphic violence. Expect interesting conversations.”
– The Fresno Bee
Gillian Engberg
“[Just Another Hero’sI] dialogue-driven prose will propel even reluctant readers to the final shocking scenes, and teens will easily connect with Draper's intelligent, spirited, and unflaggingly supportive young people.”
– Gillian Engberg
Luna Moreno
"Thank you for coming to talk to our group. It's an honor to hear from an accomplished author and teacher, and I loved the ideas you had about fostering a love of reading and writing in the classroom. Thank you.”
－ Luna Moreno
Jessica Button
“What an honor it was to have Mrs. Draper meet with us! Just like her books, her words were moving, motivational, and meaningful. My students, who are junior year college students and education majors, can’t stop talking about how she inspired and encouraged them! If you get the opportunity to meet with Mrs. Draper, I can’t encourage you strongly enough to take advantage of it! She is amazing!!”
－ Jessica Button
Clinical Associate Professor, Arizona State University
Kimberly Marsh
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with us. Your responses to our questions were so insightful and came to you so eloquently. I feel as if I were to meet you, I could talk to you for hours! Although there were well over 100 attendees, I felt as if you were talking to me and giving me the inspiration to keep going during these trying times. I am tearing up (again) just thinking about what an impression you left on me. Thank you, stay well, and keep being you!”
－ Kimberly Marsh
Student