reviews
what people have been saying about my books
“Filled with courage and positivity, Jude is middle grade’s next Pride icon.
I will be thinking about this story for years to come. Young readers and adults alike will find this book to be a fantastic resource in understanding queer and gender identities!”
— Kaliisha Cole, Whitelam Books, Reading, MA
“This is a beautiful book with amazing, brave characters who fiercely guard friendship as a safe space filled with unconditional love — and set about to make the world that way. Jude Saves the World cracked my heart open and poured joy right in.”
- Justin Colussy-Estes, Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, GA
“Despite its difficult moments, Jude Saves the World is pure joy, full of love and support in the face of a parent’s well-intentioned but misguided protection and the ups and downs of friendship.
Ronnie Riley navigates Jude’s identity and various levels of being openly out with care and skill, and seeing them step up to create a safe-space club open to the community at large was inspiring and cheer-worthy.
Jude is the brave and loyal friend all young queer kids need.”
- Gabriella Crivilare, Prairie Fox Books, Ottawa, IL
“A spectacular novel about friendship, family, and finding your voice,
Jude Saves the World is the sort of book you immediately hug after reading, before passing it on to everyone you know. An absolutely astonishing, heartwarming debut."
- Eric Smith, author of the wonderful DON’T READ THE COMMENTS
"Full of fierce warmth and humor, Jude Saves the World is a life-changer.
A tender, radiant debut."
- Ashley Herring Blake, author of the Stonewall Honor book IVY ABERDEEN’S LETTER TO THE WORLD
"A heartwarming exploration of identity, unconditional friendship, found family, and harnessing the force of love to right the world's wrongs."
- Jules Machias, author of BOTH CAN BE TRUE
“From the beginning, I loved the friendships at the core of Jude Saves the World. Both the ones that have longstanding traditions and the new ones. How difficult it is to stay true to who we are, to not bend with the wind, and to also understand how we can so desperately want to be accepted. Jude Saves the World is a story which feels authentic to any age. All our fears that people will not accept us, but also how they can surprise us.”
- Lilli of UTOPIA STATE OF MIND
“…this is a warm-hearted story about LGBTQ kids supporting each other and making change in their community, and we can always use that.”
- Mombian
"Jude's story is full of heart, queer celebration, and an intelligent tenderness so needed in today's homes and classrooms."
- Ash Van Otterloo, author of SPARROW SHINING BRIGHT
"Accessible and ultimately hopeful. Jude Saves the World feels like wrapping yourself up in a warm blanket, like a hug to every single reader who might need one. Not only is Jude a courageous kid who just wants to make their world a better, more accepting place, they are a role model for readers hoping to do the same."
- A. J. Sass, author of ANA ON THE EDGE and ELLEN OUTSIDE THE LINES
“Every parent could read this book. Sure it’s written for middle grade readers but there are SO MANY adults who could benefit from a story like this.”
- Stephanie of STORYTIME WITH STEPHANIE
“Jude is an endearingly earnest narrator, and their supportive bond with Dallas—which debut author Riley contrasts against a toxic former friendship of Stevie’s—models healthy, consensual, enthusiastic camaraderie.”