Evolutionary biologist-turned-author Amber J. Keyser has a MS in zoology and a PhD in genetics. She writes both fiction and non-fiction for tweens and teens.

Her young adult novels include Pointe, Claw (Carolrhoda Lab, 2017), an explosive story about two girls claiming the territory of their own bodies, and The Way Back from Broken (Carolrhoda Lab, 2015), a heart-wrenching novel of loss and survival (and a finalist for the Oregon Book Award). She is the co-author with Kiersi Burkhart of the middle grade series Quartz Creek Ranch (Darby Creek, 2017).

Her nonfiction titles include The V-Word (Beyond Words/SimonTeen, 2016), an anthology of personal essays by women about first-time sexual experiences (Rainbow List, Amelia Bloomer list, New York Public Library Best Book for Teens and Chicago Public Library Best Nonfiction for Teens) and Sneaker Century: A History of Athletic Shoes (Twenty-First Century Books, 2015), among numerous other titles.

Her forthcoming books include Tying the Knot: A World History of Marriage (Twenty-First Century Books, 2018) and Underneath It All: The History of Women's Underwear (Twenty-First Century Books, 2018). More information at www.amberjkeyser.com. Connect with Amber on Twitter @amberjkeyser.

Rakmen Cannon's family is reeling after his infant sister died suddenly. The only people who understand him are other surviving siblings he meets during his mom's weekly support group. But nothing can keep grief from straining his parents' marriage. In the summer Rakmen is shipped off to the Canadian wilderness with another family so his parents can "figure things out." Eight weeks of canoeing is not what Rakmen had in mind. But the unforgiving backcountry may just give Rakmen a chance to find the way back from broken . . . if he's brave enough to grab it. Amber J. Keyser's YA debut is a wrenching and brutally honest story of adversity and hope.