Praise

“A beautiful and poetic book about the many ways pain, and love in all its forms, leaves a lasting stain. Elisabeth’s story of childhood trauma, both physical and emotional, is brutal, heartfelt, and a testament to finally breaking free and moving forward on your own terms.” –Kathleen Glasgow, #1 bestselling author of Girl in Pieces

“Heartfelt, human and true—a novel that feels real from the first word to the last. I loved it.” –Markus Zusak, #1 bestselling author of The Book Thief

“Grant’s YA debut emerges with a captivating sparkle that mirrors a snowstorm’s atmospheric quiet with its introspective and rhythmic prose…. An outstanding character study with themes of pain and acceptance. Powerful.″ –Booklist, starred review

“We’re taught from earliest childhood that doctors are trustworthy healers, so there’s a special sense of betrayal when they inflict pain. I Am the Cage tells of the crimes committed against Elisabeth’s body and psyche by the medical community, and by those who stood by while it happened. But it also tells of survival, grace and self-discovery…. Steadfastly tethered to the harsh reality of our painful, beautiful world.” –The Associated Press

“A brilliant book about what we survive—and how. Visceral, wrenching, and beautiful, Grant’s triumphant novel will stick with you.” –John Green, #1 bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars

“A tender, heartfelt story about the wounds childhood trauma can leave on its survivors. The sense of powerlessness—and redemption—will stay with you.” –Jojo Moyes, #1 bestselling author of The Giver of Stars and Me Before You

“Allison Sweet Grant is a natural storyteller with the keen eye and ear of a poet. Deftly toggling between past and present, childhood trauma and its painful aftershocks, I Am the Cage is a story of love, resilience, and healing. What a beautiful, moving, and insightful debut.” –Maggie Smith, bestselling author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful

“Through Elisabeth’s poetry, integrated throughout, Grant artfully showcases the complicated back-and-forth between keeping oneself safe and staunching one’s own growth. Elisabeth and Noah’s dialogue crackles with tension and sincerity, and depictions of Elisabeth’s harrowing struggles with her narcissistic mother are cathartic.” –Publishers Weekly