Praise for The Undercover Book List
2023-2024 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Nominee
2023 OLA Forest of Reading Silver Birch Fiction Award Winner
2022 Diamond Willow Finalist
2022 IODE Violet Downey Book Award shortlist
2022 High Plains Book Award Finalist
2021 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist
2023 Rocky Mountain Book Award Finalist
2023 Manitoba Book Awards McNally Robinson Book for Young People (Older Category) Shortlist
2023/24 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award Nominee
2023 Children’s Book Council Spring Showcase: Spring Into a New You Selection
2021 CBC Books “the best Canadian middle-grade and YA books of 2021” Selection
2021 CBC Books "35 Canadian middle-grade books to watch for in fall 2021" Selection
2021 49th Shelf "Books for Back to School" Selection
2022 The Children’s Book Council “November: Hot Off the Press” feature
2021 CTV Morning "10 Kids Books for Back to School" Selection
2021 Kids Lit Six Book of the Week
2022 CCBC Spring Best Books for Kids & Teens Selection
2022 Winnipeg Free Press "Summer Reading Challenge for Kids" Selection
“Told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of seventh graders Jane and Tyson, this story unfolds with clever aplomb...A well-plotted, well-written story that will engage readers and encourage nonreaders.”―Kirkus Reviews
“Nelson, a Canadian author, offers an appealing dual narrative that switches, chapter by chapter, between the two very different classmates’ points of view. The writing is straightforward but lively...[A] rewarding middle-grade novel.”―Booklist
“In the diverse novel The Undercover Book List, two classmates overcome their initial antagonism to find commonalities, which lead them to unexpected solidarity.”―Foreword Reviews
“Featuring the duo’s interspersed missives, the narrative explores what it means to be accurately perceived, by both others and oneself, while simultaneously serving as a satisfying love letter to Louis Sachar, Rebecca Stead, Jacqueline Woodson, and other cherished authors, and emphasizing books’ transformative power.”―Publishers Weekly
“The Undercover Book List will resonate with children who feel unseen, who dream of a friend who understands them, or who are figuring out what kind of person to be. It’s an absorbing, entertaining, and sensitive story that champions reading and the love of books.”―Quill & Quire
“This is a great story to read with your class, not only because of the numerous curriculum connections that can be made, but also because of the connection that the students can make to the experiences of Jane, Tyson, and the secondary characters. Told in the alternating voices of Jane and Tyson, this novel is suitable for students in grades 4 to 8 as either a read-aloud or small-group, student-led reading.”―ETFO Voice
“This is every mother's dream situation! Confiscate your kid's game box and have him turn to reading as a compensation? Wow!...Give The Undercover Book List to a reader and open up a whole new bunch of possible authors to be enjoyed or give it to a non-reader and see what happens. You might be surprised!”―CM Magazine
“With emotional depth and sensitivity, Colleen Nelson captures the struggles and uncertainties that both of her protagonists wrestle with....The story is accessible and engaging, an insightful exploration of being open to new experiences and to the wonders of self-discovery. It is also a heartfelt celebration of the power of books to heal and to bring people together.”―Canadian Children’s Book News
“Told in alternating chapters from each main character’s perspective, The Undercover Book List is a treat for book lovers as it recommends titles such as Harbor Me, The Book Thief, and several others. Both characters learn and grow a great deal over the course of the book and readers will really enjoy their development.”―Youth Services Book Review
“For the reluctant reader who doesn't know they're a reader yet and for those who will consume this story with gusto...The Undercover Book List brings reading out from under its nerd status into a mainstream social avocation it can be.”―CanLit for Little Canadians
“[A] story grounded in a school library and books, focused on friendship...A great story for book worms and kids who have to move and make new friends. Also perfect for the teacher to read aloud.”―The International Educator
“I really liked this book and it’s on my to-be-read-to-my-son pile. And while I liked Jane, the main character in the book, it was Tyson I liked the most...I loved how hard Tyson tried and how it changed him in the end.”―Book Time
“Both Jane and Tyson have challenges at home that ring true to middle-grade experiences and add depth to the character’s stories...I would recommend this story for Gr. 4-7.”―kathiemacisaac
“[F]abulous for the start of a new year to inspire readers and non readers to just pick up a book and enjoy.”―Storytime with Stephanie
“One of my favorite kind of books are books about books...and this one did not disappoint! By the end I wanted to join both an Undercover Book Club and a Kid Lit Quiz team.”―Julie, Goodreads
“The Undercover Book List celebrates being true to yourself and recognizes that everyone has a path to become a reader.”―Laurie Hnatiuk, Goodreads
“A heartwarming page turner that achieves what all exceptional literature does, it inspires the reader to read more. All the stars for this middle-grade gem.”―Michelle Kadarusman, Goodreads
“I liked this book a lot! At the end of the book there is a list of book recommendations, but not just any book recommendations...The Undercover Book List recommendations! If you are looking for something interesting to read, this is the book that you’re looking for!”―Kids’ BookBuzz, Vivian – Age 9
“I loved that the book club and quiz in this story turned Tyson, a reluctant reader, into a book lover.”―Jill’s Book Blog
“A near perfect love letter to books and the kids that read them, The Undercover Book List is a well-written ode to the best middle-grade lit has to offer. Wrapped up a story of loss and self-discovery, tween readers are going to enjoy sharing this story with fellow bookworms...”―Shaunterria, Goodreads
“Colleen’s novel shows us how books can change people’s lives for the better.”―MaryLou Driedger
