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Testimonials on my teaching
Sneakers & Lipstick
“Alice Kuipers is a writer on a mission, not only to bring her own stories to life but to empower young writers to do the same with theirs.”
Good Story Company
“Alice has developed some of my favourite programs … For the craft focus … Alice really is at the forefront of the chapter book, middle grade, and young adult … which is why I’m so excited to have her because she will bring … craft insights.”
saskla.ca
“Alice believes everyone has a story worth telling and loves inspiring new writers.”
Discover Saskatoon
“A mother of four, she has taught writing to thousands of people, in person and in online workshops.”
Testimonials from industry professionals
Alice Kuipers
The bestselling, award-winning author of five novels, Life on the Refrigerator Door, The Worst Thing She Ever Did, 40 Things I Want to Tell You, The Death of Us, and Me and Me, eight books for younger readers, including three books in the Polly Diamond series, World’s Worst Parrot, and Pia’s Plans, and two picture books Violet and Victor Write the Best-Ever Bookworm Book and Violet and Victor Write the Most Fabulous Fairy Tale. She’s also written a memoir of Carley Allison, and her own guide for writers called Spark, described as ‘A masterpiece for anyone wanting to make their literary dreams come true’ by Richard Van Camp.
Alice’s debut novel, Life on the Refrigerator Door, is an award-winning Young Adult/Adult crossover published to rave reviews in 28 countries and told entirely in post-it notes written by a mother and her daughter. Named a New York Times Book for the Teen Age, Life on the Refrigerator Door has won or been short listed for numerous prizes, including the Redbridge Book Award, the Sheffield Libraries Choice Award, the Grand Prix de Viarmes, the Saskatchewan First Book Award, the Salt Lake City County Library System Reader’s Choice Award, and the Carnegie Medal.
Alice's second novel, The Worst Thing She Ever Did (published in the US as Lost for Words), won the 2011 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile / YA Crime Book; was short listed for the White Pine Award; and was a Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year selection for 2011. The Worst Thing She Ever Did has been sold in 9 territories and praised as “gorgeous, heart-ripping, important” (Voices of Young Adults).
Her third YA novel, 40 Things I Want To Tell You, was published in Canada by HarperCollins. The book has been praised as “funny and totally up to date” by the Canadian Review of Materials, and “crisp and effective” by the Winnipeg Free Press. Rights have been sold in Germany, Greece and Croatia. The Death of Us, her fourth YA novel received a starred review in Quill and Quire and is being published in French and in Danish: “The beauty is in the details, which Kuipers weaves through her narrative with a grace often missing from young-adult fiction. Her deft character descriptions leave just enough room for an imaginative reader to fill in things unsaid… A complex, interesting story.” —Quill & Quire (starred)
Her YA novel, Me and Me, published by HarperCollins in Canada, is described by Bif Naked as “mesmerizing,” with rights sold in all territories and languages to Kids Can Press, who also commissioned a non-fiction book about the life of teenager Carley Allison from Alice that was published to rave reviews in 2019.
Alice's debut picture book, Violet and Victor Write the Best-Ever Bookworm Book, published by Little Brown, was an Amazon best pick for December 2014; her second picture book, Violet and Victor Write the Most Fabulous Fairytale, was an Indie Winter Best Picture Book Pick.
Alice has a chapter book series with Chronicle Press, starting with the first book Polly Diamond and the Magic Book, which was named a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, an Amazon best book of the month, and was described by Booklist as a book that “brings the imagination to life.” It is followed by Polly Diamond and the Super Stunning Spectacular School Fair.
Orca Press published three Hi-Lo books by Alice between 2020 and 2025: Dropped! (A Junior Library Guild Gold Selection), World’s Worst Parrot and Pia’s Plans, and Alice has also published four books with online publisher Fiction Express. These books are to encourage reluctant readers to engage with the story by having readers select options for the next chapter, and so young readers control the events of the plot. In this way hundreds of British school children have empowered themselves to enjoy reading. Alice writes for their blog and for Children’s Book Insider to encourage writers and writers for children to get their stories on the page. Alice has had six short stories produced for CBC radio, one read by Tatiana Maslany. One of her stories was a runner up in the CBC short story prize, and she has had essays published by The Huffington Post, The Bristol Review of Books, Easy Living and Fierce Ink Press. Another of her stories was included in the Banff anthology Fables for the 21st Century.
Alice’s work is published in 36 countries, and she continues to teach and speak widely about writing as Head of Coaching at The Novelry. She has four children and an honorary daughter, and she lives in Saskatoon, where she writes her Substack Confessions & Coffee and her next book.
Spark: On writing for kids & young adults
“What a luxurious read. Spark is right up there with King’s On Writing and Hodgins’ A Passion For Narrative. A masterpiece for anyone wanting to make their literary dreams come true.”
— Richard Van Camp
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“Spark demystifies every single step from prewriting to rewriting and from process to publication with inspiration and honesty. It’ll live on my bookshelf within easy reach!”
— Teresa Toten
“Inspiring, creative, and thoughtful; this is the kind of guide that helps turn the act of writing into an art form. Stuffed full of tips, exercises, and observations on why we create, Kuipers helps to make sense of the crazy act of writing. No more blank pages! This book will lead you into your next great idea, perfect character, and wonderful story. There’s something for everyone here from beginners to writers who’ve been around the literary block.”
— Arthur Slade, author of the Governor General’s Award-winning Dust
“Alice Kuipers brings the sometimes-daunting world of writing for children down to its important and practical component parts, and does it in a manner that is encouraging and inspiring.”
— Kathy Kace
“In Spark, Alice Kuipers delivers precisely what the title promises: a spirit of joy, energy, and wonder in the presence of stories and the fictional worlds they create. Though aimed at authors of books for children and youth, Spark speaks to everyone who aspires to write well, through its practical advice; thoughtful quotations from celebrated authors; abundant examples; helpful checklists; and a compelling, personal narrative voice that addresses the reader – “you” – on every page. Though our world can be harsh, Kuipers celebrates the value of playful, imagined stories, while she sparks – and exhilarates – other writers with her own beautiful prose.”
— Judges for the Saskatchewan Book Awards
Life on the Refrigerator Door
“It is a very original and touching treatment of a familiar theme and it deserves to do very well.”
— Joanne Harris, author of “Chocolat”
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“In Alice Kuipers' deft hands, a mother and daughter's exchange of notes on a refrigerator becomes a metaphor for the evanescence of life. Call it the poetry of daily routine. Without warning, lists of groceries, appointments, and reminders transform into a meditation on the lost opportunities in our lives: the overlooked clues of fear and distress from our loved ones; and the wrenching aftershock when we recognize -- too late -- what's forever gone. In Kuipers' utterly original debut, the deceptively simple is charged in equal part, with technical dazzle, heartfelt humour, and emotional truth. Wow.”
— Allan Stratton, author of “Chanda's Secrets”
“Understated but moving … the result is tender and insightful.”
— The Bookseller
“Bittersweet, funny and achingly real … a strong, emotional reminder about the importance of loved ones, even through times of unceasing complications and challenges.”
— Publishers Weekly
“… it will leave you thinking about it long after you’ve closed the pages… a shining example of how much we can say in so few words.”
— Winnipeg Free Press
“In few words, well-chosen, [Kuipers] addresses both the dynamic of a mother/daughter relationship and the profound effect of a life threatening disease on a family. Such a task by a lesser talent would have required a much larger volume.”
— The StarPhoenix(Saskatoon)
“Guaranteed to make you cry.”
— Sunday Express (UK)
“If a book can ever make us realize life is precious, this is the one.”
— The Oklahoman
“A heart-warming tale that will leave you appreciating the simple things in life.”
— Daily Record(Scotland)
“The tone is immediate [and] real… You’ll read it in an hour and remember it long afterwards.”
— The Irish Times
“… outstandingly original and clever… often unbearably moving.”
— Scotland on Sunday
“A heart-wrenching tale of a mother daughter relationship and the impact of breast cancer, Kuipers’ debut proves that sometimes the most simple writing techniques – i.e. a narrative that uses brief notes – can stir the biggest emotions.”
— Big Issue in the North
“… the style [Kuipers] has adopted is refreshingly new and different… You can read this book in an hour but I doubt a full-length novel could have delivered the emotional hit that Kuipers has achieved in this study of the struggle and contradictions in modern family life.”
— The Courier Mail(Australia)
“Both uplifting and sad, this is a moving debut from Kuipers.”
— Sunday Telegraph Magazine(Australia)
“… a heartfelt, touching and unforgettable glimpse into the lives of mothers and daughters everywhere, it is a story told in a simple and poignant narrative.”
— Financial Mail(South Africa)
“Beautifully realised, it both breaks and warms the heart and will stay with the reader for a long time.”
— Lancashire Evening Post(UK)
The Worst Thing She Ever Did
“Kuipers artfully manages to make Sophie’s tale achingly real and yet still hopeful. Her distinct, first–person voice and quirky details shine through the dark tragedy, giving familiar themes a fresh take.”
—Kirkus Reviews
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“Kuipers removes from her readers the protective shield of shocking news stories that “happen to other people.” She forces them to really see the innocent lives that are ended or forever altered by the madness of terrorism, and shows her readers the way to compassion, understanding, and action when “the other people” become themselves. This novel is gorgeous, heart-ripping, important.”
— VOYA
“Kuipers draws Sophie, through her narration, as a very young sixteen, making her isolation all the more poignant.... The emotional portraits of Sophie and those around her ring true ... Particularly fine is the exploration of grief solidifying rather than loosening its grip, as Sophie, at least for a time, gets worse rather than better.... Touches on a tragedy that hasn't been featured much in American literature, it's really a story of the dysfunction that bereavement can knock you into, and that's a raw emotional situation with which readers will sympathize.”
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Touching and realistic.”
— School Library Journal
"With lyrical prose, Alice Kuipers takes us on a riveting journey in a teen's mind as the girl learns to confront a recent tragedy so she can start building a future for herself. Subtle glimpses of this tragedy build suspense throughout the story until it reaches a climax almost as powerful for the reader as it is for the young protagonist."
— Jury Citation, 2011 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile / Crime Book
“Kuipers nails the voice of a mature teen who has been forced to grow up fast but is still fundamentally inexperienced and open to the exuberance of youth.... Her dialogue is sharp and true to life and she understands teens' thoughts and heightened emotions.”
— Quill & Quire
“For teens who want to lose themselves in a more somber take on tragedy’s after-effects, The Worst Thing She Ever Did by Saskatchewan’s Alice Kuipers offers well-written angst. A British high school student, Sophie, is trying to forget the circumstances of her sister’s death. If only Sophie hadn’t stopped to tie her shoe, she and her sister wouldn’t have been on the tube train that was blown up by terrorists. But she did, and they were, and Sophie survived but her sister was killed. In a year of crumbling relationships and worse grades, Sophie gradually manages to face the past. With its short, sharp sentences, high school friendships and believable adolescent emotion, this is an engaging, thoughtful read.”
— Toronto Star
“…well written angst…with its short, sharp sentences, high school friendships and believable adolescent emotion, this is an engaging, thoughtful read.”
— parentcentral.ca
“I personally felt like I was prying into someone's private life when I started reading into the story. Sophie clearly didn't want anyone to know her dilemma, and wanted nothing more than to just forget. With her, we learn about how such a tragedy can take a toll on a whole family, and even the friends supporting it. You could literally feel how much Sophie wanted to turn back the tables and have everything be the way it used to. The one thing that really got me in this book was Sophie's feelings toward her sister. She was so heartbroken by her loss that nothing else mattered to her, not even her own life. It makes you think of what you may possibly be taking for granted. I have two younger sisters, and a little brother, and reading about Sophie's loss made me weep for her. Towards the end of this book I was bawling my eyes out, and practically hiccuping because I was so gripped by the story. It made me appreciate the family that I have…”
— reader review
40 Things I Want to Tell You
“40 Things I Want to Tell You… is brought to life thanks to Kuiper’s graceful, pellucid prose.”
— The National Post
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“This is a hard-hitting novel for older teens by the talented Saskatoon novelist…Kuipers' writing is crisp and effective.”
— Winnipeg Free Press
“In her third YA novel, Alice Kuipers proves she owns the market on introspective, conflicted teen-girl protagonists…In a market where juicy melodrama is all too easy to find, Kuipers’ subtle, self-searching prose is unique and refreshing.”
— Quill & Quire
“Bird's website ties the whole story together as she dispenses advice and top tips, such as ‘Secrets breed lies’ and ‘Be honest with your best friend,’ even as she herself has trouble taking her own advice. These teens live in the present day, texting each other from across the room. The dialogue is lively, often funny and totally up to date, moving the action along well and revealing character. The intended readership will sympathize with Bird whose actions and life will provoke much discussion and empathy.”
— Canadian Review of Materials
“40 Things I Want To Tell You by Alice Kuipers was absolutely incredible! It's one contemporary novel you do not want to miss on, and one that I strongly urge all my readers to check out immediately!”
— A Cupcake and a Latte
“When I read a book that touches me, really touches me, I always finish it, close the cover, lay my hand over it, and just sit. Sometimes I just re-immerse myself in the story, sometimes I weep, sometimes I wonder how the characters managed, sometimes I ponder the title and the cover. With 40 Things I Want To Tell You by Alice Kuipers, I did it all….Alice Kuipers’ skill at weaving an emotionally engaging story with remarkable characters, likeable or not, like those in our own lives, will disarm you effortlessly until you realize you have been invariably touched forever.”
— Canlit for LittleCanadians
“40 Things I Want To Tell You is at its heart a love story and one between the most unexpected characters and possibilities. Readers who enjoy realistic fiction as well as those who enjoy Kuipers’ older novels will enjoy this book.”
— Resource Links
"Kuipers' wonderful writing style had me hooked from page one. ... What I didn't realize at that time, though, is just how meaningful this book would prove to be. What I initially assumed to be just a complicated love story turned out to be so much more than just that.... A beautiful, heartbreaking tale of one girl's journey to self-discovery.”
— Bookish
The Death of Us
“…rich and intriguing. The beauty is in the details, which Kuipers weaves through her narrative with a grace often missing from young adult fiction … Kuipers has created a complex, interesting story about teens dealing with some hefty issues. Even the trope of the love triangle is given a welcome (and realistic) twist. If readers take nothing from the book other than the simple pleasure of Kuipers’ well-crafted love story, so be it. But there’s so much more to this cautionary tale.”
— Quill & Quire (starred)
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"Winner of the 2011 Arthur Ellis Award, Kuipers is ever the master manipulator, artfully deceiving readers to magnify the impact of the denouement. ... A quick and turbulent read, The Death of Us is a brilliant coming-of-age novel with a sharpened corkscrew of a twist that will leave readers breathless."
— The National Reading Campaign
“Alice Kuipers proves again that she knows what teenaged girls want to read, and she knows how to deliver it”
— CM
“In typical Alice Kuipers fashion, this book is unforgettable and packs a powerful punch. From the first page, it is intense and riveting… Shocking, poignant and heart-rending, The Death of Us will leave an indelible impression on its readers.”
— Canadian Children’s Book News
“Alice Kuipers’s The Death of Us was an absolutely beautiful and powerful story. I enjoyed absolutely every page of this book and I am still trying to process everything that happened, days after I finished reading… I can’t recommend this story enough.”
— emiliebookworld.com
“There are some books you devour in one sitting…The Death Of Us was one I flew through…Filled with tension, and secrets that create a delicious page turner.”
— glass-of-wine.blogspot.com
“I promise you’ll be eagerly flipping the pages in this one just to find out what comes next.”
— lilysbookblog.com
“And seriously, THAT ENDING! loved it so much!”
— conversationsofareadingaddict.blogspot.ca
“One of those unputdownable books, the kind that makes your fingers twitch to pick it up and keep reading.”
— Melanie (Goodreads user)
“You want to re-read it the minute you get to the shocking conclusion.”
— Jenny (Goodreads user)
“The action, mystery and suspense will make this a good pick for teens who (like me) will likely be so anxious to figure out all of the mysteries that they'll rush through it in a single sitting.”
— Ann (Goodreads user)
Me and Me
“Alice Kuipers seems to have a direct conduit to the teenage mind…. A fast-paced, compulsively readable novel.”
— Quill & Quire (starred review)
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“[Kuiper]’s descriptive style is introspective and on point in her latest… the author crafts realistic characters that teens will find relatable… The writing makes the book impossible to put down, especially with the use of original metaphors, different ephemera, and alternating story lines. VERDICT A highly addictive page-turner that will keep readers guessing until the very end. A strong choice for high school libraries.”
— School Library Journal
“Multi-award-winning author Alice Kuipers has a knack for whisking readers into the lives and loves of her characters… Kuipers builds each reality with dynamic characters, and a use of language breathtaking in its grace.”
— The Winnipeg Review
“A mesmerizing and mysterious ride through parallel worlds. Me and Me is absolutely irresistible.”
— Teresa Toten, bestselling author of “Beware That Girl and The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B”
“Haunting and mysterious, this is a powerful book about love, life and choices. Both page-turning and thought-provoking, Kuipers deftly tells a lyrical tale that’ll keep you questioning reality right up to the very end.”
— Arthur Slade, author of “Flickers”
“Alice Kuipers has a way of drawing me under, drowning me in so many layers of emotion, that I hold my breath while I read Me and Me. I loved this intense and wonderful book! My hero in the book, the rad, long-boarding, parkour ingénue/traceuse, and band girl, seventeen year-old Lark Hardy, is much cooler than I was at seventeen (and maybe even now), and Lark is graciously trying to navigate not falling to pieces despite unimaginable circumstances. Lark is a gifted musician and has a songwriting mind that helps weave back together her shattered heart, as she must navigate loss and trauma, all while trying to remain supportive for her devoted dad, for her band, for her beloved mom, and for the passionate Alec, who may actually turn out to be the architect of her undoing. Caught in what feels like a parallel life, Lark experiences the inevitable, and finds her true self somewhere in between.”
— Bif Naked
“I ached with [Lark] and found myself feeling closer to her than I ever have with any other protagonist. Me (and) Me by Alice Kuipers was a journey I never would have imagined I would need, but I did and I enjoyed every painful and uplifting moment of it. It was a superb ride and I highly recommend you join in!”
— A Cupcake and a Latte blog
“Showering her intense text with astounding lyrics, Alice Kuipers brings both Larks together to juxtapose the parallel lives they lead after the near drowning at the lake.”
— CanLit for LittleCanadians blog
“I LOVED this book! It really shows how life can be different with just one choice, but it shows it in such an interesting way!”
— Amanda (Goodreads User)
“The story of Lark and her choice between Alec and Annabelle becomes more detailed and complex with every chapter. Check this one out.”
— Jaimedsworld (Goodreads User)
“Loved this! I loved Lark and was pulled right into her story. There is a tremendous amount to talk and think about in this story. I will be coming back to it and passing it around to family and friends.”
— Amalia (Goodreads User)
Always Smile: Carley Allison’s Secrets for Laughing, Loving and Living
“A powerful and deeply moving tribute.”
— School Library Journal
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“Carley’s voice shines through every page.”
— Canadian Children’s Book News
“A life-affirming story that will stay with readers.”— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“A memorable, hopeful, and beautifully told biography for teens.”— YA Books Central
Polly Diamond and the Magic Book
“An enchanting adventure of magic and mishaps.”
— Kirkus Reviews
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“This breezy series kickoff introduces a heroine with a delightfully outsize personality and celebrates the power of imagination and words.”
— Publishers Weekly
“There’s a lot to love about Polly’s adventure... a fun read that’s just right for young readers.” '
— Common Sense Media
Polly Diamond and the and the Super Stunning Spectacular School Fair
“[Polly] Diamond has a great sense of adventure and an imaginative spirit: think Gooney Bird and Judy Moody rolled into one… A fast-paced story full of magic.”
— School Library Journal
Polly Diamond and the Topsy-Turvy Day
“Upbeat and lovable, Polly Diamond bring the magic of imagination to life.”
— Booklist (starred review)
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“In a story that celebrates imagination and language, Kuipers delivers a playful read filled with surprises. The flamboyant Polly Diamond will capture readers’ hearts as they follow her magic-inspired adventures, accompanied by engaging illustrations throughout. With full originality, Polly Diamond and the Topsy-Turvy Day, delivers top notch entertainment.”
— Saskatchewan Book Award jury citation
“Polly will appeal to aspiring writers and the Amelia Bedelia fans who love to play with words and language.”
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“Think Gooney Bird and Judy Moody rolled into one.”
— School Library Journal
“An enchanting adventure of magic and mishaps.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“This breezy series kickoff introduces a heroine with a delightfully outsize personality and celebrates the power of imagination and words.”
— Publishers Weekly
“A fun read that’s just right for young readers.”
— Common Sense Media
“The lively parrot and Ava’s growing understanding of and affection for him rise above average.”
― Kirkus Reviews
World’s Worst Parrot
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“A breezy read but still touches on many of the struggles of middle-grade students in the digital age…It’s a pleasure to follow the avian antics and watch as Mervin squawks his way into everyone’s hearts.”
― Booklist
“Recommended.”― CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“I like this book a lot...I really recommend this book to others because it is easy to understand, and it will fit for those kids who are learning English like me.”― Canadian Children's Book News, student takeover edition
“A very good read for reluctant teen readers. Excellent purchase for school libraries and classrooms.”― Must Read Lit: K thru YA
Pia’s Plans
“Simple vocabulary, short chapters, and quick pacing make this slice-of-life story a great high-interest, low–reading level option for struggling readers.”
― Kirkus Reviews
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“A solid example of a high-interest low-reading-level book done well. This novel has heart...New enhanced print features, such as a dyslexia-friendly font, increased spacing between words and lines, and cream-coloured paper to minimize contrast, are all effective in improving reading accessibility for striving readers.”
― CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“In this realistic fiction title dealing with anxiety and divorced parents at a young age, Pia is an engaging character learning to handle tough situations...A solid purchase for libraries in need of accessible hi-lo titles dealing with serious concerns in a light manner.”― School Library Journal
Dropped!
“Gently explores concepts that will resonate with teens growing up immersed in social media… A compact, existential, reality-show adventure with strong reluctant reader appeal.”
— Kirkus Reviews
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“Outstandingly realistic, fun and intense… Dropped! lives up to its promise to be an ‘ultra-readable page-turner’ and will definitely entice less-than-avid readers to pick it up and zip through its 79 pages…Highly recommended.”
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“An extraordinary hi-lo story for teens… filled with action and social commentary.”
— CanLit for Little Canadians
Violet and Victor Write the Best-Ever Bookworm Book
“This charming exploration of the creative process will inspire young writers.”
—School Library Journal
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“Clever fare for aspiring bookworms.”
— Kirkus
“…Believable, entertaining, and likely to inspire readers to try putting their own stories together”
— Publishers Weekly
“…sure to captivate both parents and their budding bookworms.”
— Bookish
“Fascinating illustrations are fun to study as they include a diverse mix of media, such as graphite-pencil sketches, origami, maps, library cards, and photocopied pages from old books... The great blend of text and illustrations combine for an enjoyable story about writing a story.”
— Booklist
“A creative story and the sweetest tale ever.”
— School Library Connection
Violet and Victor Write the Most Fabulous Fairy Tale
“A jam-packed view of the creative process of two imaginative siblings.”
— Kirkus
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“The underlying message of cooperation and adaptation is perfect for 21st-century skills curriculum reinforcement. A fine addition to picture book collections.”
—School Library Journal
“The dialogue and text will be easily followed by young readers. The illustrations are breathtaking and strikingly original.”
—School Library Connection