PRESS KIT

My Life as a Rhombus

• "Without a bit of preaching, Varian Johnson gives us a story of two teenage girls who are faced with the consequences of unplanned pregnancies. Teens will love the emotional peaks and valleys of the tale and be gratified by the conclusion." -- Ellen Wittlinger, author of Hard Love

• "My Life as a Rhombus is a sensitive and powerful friendship story about two very different girls who connect over the toughest decision either of them will ever make. In his YA debut, author Varian Johnson offers a realistic, heartfelt, and thoughtful take on unplanned teen pregnancy from the perspective of a young math whiz trying to reconcile her future and past." -- Cynthia Leitich Smith, author of Tantalize

• “...there’s wry humor here, and the sometimes raw dialogue is well done. What's most interesting, though, is the way Rhonda tries to get beyond her past as she channels her anger and pain into numbers and theorems.” -- Booklist

• “...Johnson’s exploration of Rhonda’s unprocessed anger over her own abortion is deftly handled...” -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (Recommended)

• “[Johnson] has captured the struggles of teen girls perfectly...” -- TeensReadToo (Five Star Review, Gold Award for Excellence)

• “...Realistic and nuanced.” -- KLIATT

• "Johnson's book strikes a good balance; it's gripping and sensitive at the same time. It doesn't oversimplify; it doesn't pull punches. And, perhaps most importantly, it does not pass judgment."-- The Edge of the Forest

A Red Polka Dot In A World Full Of Plaid

• Essence Magazine Best Seller List (#6 for Paperback Fiction), March 2005

• "This is a compelling story with dynamic characters. Maxine's wise-cracking tone, combined with her innocence, is captivating and endearing, and Deke exhibits signs of strength, love and friendship not often seen in young male characters. Newcomer Johnson offers a heartwarming story that will appeal to a broad audience. It touches on race, identity and learning to love unconditionally." -- Romantic Times Bookreviews Magazine

• "...an enjoyable coming-of-age story of headstrong, sarcastic and vulnerable Maxine Phillips." -- A Place Of Our Own Bookclub

Interview with The State (Columbia, SC)

Q&A for My Life as a Rhombus (located in back matter of the book)

Interview in National Society of Black Engineers' magazine