My Fairy God Somebody

Charlene Allen works with community organizations to heal trauma and fight injustice, especially the beast called mass incarceration. She received her MFA from the New School, her JD from Northeastern University, and her BA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She lives in Brooklyn with her fabulous family and their very silly dog. Play the Game was her first novel. You can visit her at charleneallen.com.

Praise for Play the Game: “Informed by present-day events surrounding structural racism and oppression, and the author’s experience as a restorative justice advocate, Allen compassionately examines themes of community and criminal justice reform in this affecting, noirish debut.”  — Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Powerful. Authentic. A riveting gut punch. This is how you galvanize young activists. A voice not soon to be forgotten.” — Tiffany D. Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Blood“Fast-paced, insightful, and highly relevant, Allen’s novel illustrates the application of restorative justice practices to real life situations. A must read for all young people impacted by racism and those adults who love them.” — Angela Y. Davis, Distinguished Professor Emerita, UC Santa Cruz“Honest, raw, and absolutely alive. Play the Game is a tour de force, and Charlene Allen has announced herself as a powerful new voice.” — Matt de la Peña, author of Mexican WhiteBoy and Last Stop on Market Street“A compelling look at different ways of approaching grief and justice.” — Kirkus Reviews"An engaging story for readers who want to see characters find themselves (and then some) amid complex families and real-life challenges. Suggest to readers who enjoyed Robin Benway’s Far from the Tree (2017) and other relationship-driven YA dramedies"—Booklist — Booklist"Allen’s sophomore novel effectively captures Clae’s turbulent inner struggles, particularly her thorny feelings about her persistent longing for genuine kinship and community. A richly drawn story that explores the precarious construction of identity and the pain of complex family dynamics."—Kirkus (starred review) — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)