“A book that looks at death and reveals much about life.” — Kirkus
- 2011 Blue Ribbon Book, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
- Shortlisted for the 2011 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award
- Finalist for the 2012 Oregon Book Award
- Shortlisted for the Oregon Spirit Book Award
“A natural discussion starter, this will be an obvious choice for book clubs; many readers will be moved by the poignant examination of the passages in and from life, and they’ll be glad of the Donnas who step up to guide us through them.”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
More Recognition for Putting Makeup on Dead People
- From Kirkus
- Interview with rock star YA author Sara Ryan
- Review/Interview with TAL Contributor Gloria Harrison on The Nervous Breakdown
- From the Bookanistas
- From Draw Explosions
- From fellow YA novelist, Lena Roy
- From Open Salon blogger, Leeandra Nolting
- From the Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
Books are available from:
Indie Bound | Powell’s Books | Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Please support your local booksellers!

Seattle, WA: Queen Anne Books

Portland, OR: A Children’s Place Bookstore

The Dalles, OR: Klindt’s Booksellers

Baton Rouge, LA: Louisiana Book Fest
Sites and other places that feature my work:
Wanna come over to my story sanctuary on Patreon? I’ll treat you to piping hot writing, glimpses of my memoir-in-progress, and all kinds of other word magic, and you get to patronize me, if you know what I mean.
Video Interviews & Accompanying Articles
Share Your Life Story
Featured Women Leaders
Frock Off Interview