Bennett Madison is the author of several books for teenagers, including The Blonde of the Joke (HarperTeen 2009) and September Girls (HarperTeen 2013). He has also written a few other books and some other things here and there.
He grew up in Takoma Park, Maryland, went to Sarah Lawrence College, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Bennett’s former occupations include: phone psychic, clothes-folder, no-nonsense receptionist, and writer of not-very-good cartoons.
"A meditation on manhood takes a turn into magical realism in this mesmerizing novel."
—Kirkus, ***Starred Review***
"[Madison's] command of language, both informal and beautiful, lifts the work from a basic boy-meets-fantastical creature tale to something both familiar and tragically moving. This isn’t just a supernatural beach read; it’s a rare and lovely novel, deserving of attention from discriminating readers."
—Booklist, ***Starred Review***
"An exquisitely haunting work of magical realism."
—Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books, ***Starred Review***
"Madison maintains the same hazy, syrupy languidness that distinguished The Blonde of the Joke, giving summer days at the shore the same sort of mythological heft the fluorescent American mall possessed in his previous book. A surprising story of a kid finding love and himself, when he wasn’t looking for either."
—Publishers Weekly, ***Starred Review***
"A ridiculous, riotous, tongue-in-cheek mad dash through the mall where everything is not as it seems and where the cheap jokes and the bounty grow like apples on trees."
—Kirkus
"Madison’s honest and darkly comic prose takes this mall-rat tale to mythical heights. The punchline is definitely bittersweet and will leave a good many readers anticipating Madison’s next book."
—Booklist
"Madison’s dreamlike prose imbues the most ordinary moments with cosmic significance. Readers will soak up every bit."
—Publishers Weekly
September Girls by
September Girls is a stunning coming-of-age novel about first loves, oblivious parents, sibling rivalries—and mermaids. This imaginative and painfully honest book garnered five starred reviews, including one from ALA Booklist that proclaimed it "a rare and lovely novel, deserving of attention from discriminating readers." Whisked away by his father to an unusual beach town in the Outer Banks, Sam finds himself having the summer vacation most guys dream of. He's surrounded by beautiful blonde girls, and, better yet, they all seem inexplicably attracted to him. But there's definitely something strange about the Girls. They only wear flats because heels make their feet bleed. They never go swimming in the water. And they all want something from him. Sam falls for one of the Girls, DeeDee, and begins an unexpected summer romance. But as they get closer, she pulls away without explanation. Sam knows that if he is going to win her back, he'll have to learn the Girls' secret. Bennett Madison, critically acclaimed author of The Blonde of the Joke, brings a mix of lyrical writing, psychologically complex characters, and sardonic humor to this young adult novel. September Girls is perfect for fans of the irreverent wit of Ned Vizzini and the seductive magic of fairy tales retold.
The Blonde of the Joke by
"There are three and only three rules for shoplifting," Francie instructed me. From the very first day Val meets the outrageously blond Francie, she realizes that Francie has the gutsy courage and determination Val has always envied. But Francie sees something in Val too—something that Val's never noticed. "You've got that sneaky thing about you," she says. "I bet you have a dark past." And just like that, the blonde and the brunette become partners in crime. Thanks to Francie, Val is suddenly taking risks, taking charge, and taking what she deserves. But as the stakes get higher, Francie and Val find themselves more and more tangled in a thrilling web of love, lies, and shoplifting. Soon it becomes clear that the darkest secrets have yet to be discovered. . . .
Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls by
Lulu Dark is a chic, tough-talking city girl, who never meant to get involved in a mystery. But when her favorite purse is stolen during a rock concert, Lulu Dark and her friends discover a twisted mystery involving a rock star, a rich socialite, and a serious case of mistaken identity.
