Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.
That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable
Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.
About the Author
Lauren Oliver burst onto the scene with her first novel, the New York Times bestseller Before I Fall. This was followed by her stunning Delirium, which ALA Booklist called "another deft blend of realism and fantasy." A graduate of the University of Chicago and the MFA program at New York University, Lauren lives in Brooklyn, New York. Liesl & Po is her first novel for younger readers.
Industry Reviews
Praise for Before I Fall: "Oliver, in a pitch-perfect teen voice, explores the power we have to affect the people around us in this intensely believable first novel...This is a compelling book with a powerful message and should not be missed."--ALA Booklist "A gorgeous story--timeless and magical."--Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me Praise for Before I Fall: "This story races forward, twisting in a new direction every few pages, its characters spinning my emotions from affection to frustration, anger to compassion. You'll have no choice but to tear through this book!"--Jay Asher, author of the New York Times bestseller Thirteen Reasons Why Praise for Before I Fall: "Before I Fall is smart, complex, and heartbreakingly beautiful. Lauren Oliver has written an extraordinary debut novel about what it means to live--and die."--Carolyn Mackler, author of Tangled and The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, a Printz Honor book "With her third book, Lauren Oliver (Before I Fall; Delirium) creates another highly original world, this one for middle-grade readers. Oliver introduces orphans Liesl and Will, a touch of magic, some delectable coincidences, and friendship that stretches from the Living Side to the Other Side."--Shelf Awareness "Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver brings much-needed magic to an increasingly neglected age group. It's books like this, with its classic quest plot, intertwined with lyrical metaphysics, that can set a child up for life."--The Sunday Telegraph "An absolute delight...Although aimed at younger readers, the lightness of touch and the tenderness of the message could make grown men weep."--Daily Mail (London) A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy. With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original. Acedera s frequent black-and-white illustrations are a perfect complement. An irresistible read: This book sings. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)" Classic fairy tale elements weave throughout this spirited, old-fashioned adventure. Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression. --Publishers Weekly (starred review)" With her third book, Lauren Oliver (Before I Fall; Delirium) creates another highly original world, this one for middle-grade readers. Oliver introduces orphans Liesl and Will, a touch of magic, some delectable coincidences, and friendship that stretches from the Living Side to the Other Side. --Shelf Awareness" A gorgeous story--timeless and magical. --Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me" Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver brings much-needed magic to an increasingly neglected age group. It s books like this, with its classic quest plot, intertwined with lyrical metaphysics, that can set a child up for life. --The Sunday Telegraph" An absolute delight...Although aimed at younger readers, the lightness of touch and the tenderness of the message could make grown men weep. --Daily Mail (London)" Praise for Before I Fall: Oliver s debut novel is raw, emotional, and, at times, beautiful....readers will love Samantha best as she hurtles toward an end as brave as it is heartbreaking. --Publishers Weekly (starred review)" Praise for Before I Fall: Samantha s attempts to save her life and right the wrongs she has caused are precisely what will draw readers into this complex story and keep them turning pages until Sam succeeds in living her last day the right way. --Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (Starred Review)" Praise for Before I Fall: Oliver, in a pitch-perfect teen voice, explores the power we have to affect the people around us in this intensely believable first novel...This is a compelling book with a powerful message and should not be missed. --ALA Booklist" Praise for Before I Fall: This story races forward, twisting in a new direction every few pages, its characters spinning my emotions from affection to frustration, anger to compassion. You ll have no choice but to tear through this book! --Jay Asher, author of the New York Times bestseller Thirteen Reasons Why" Praise for Before I Fall: Before I Fall is smart, complex, and heartbreakingly beautiful. Lauren Oliver has written an extraordinary debut novel about what it means to live and die. --Carolyn Mackler, author of Tangled and The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, a Printz Honor book" Praise for Delirium: In [Oliver s] dystopian America, love has been outlawed as the life-threatening source of all discord. Lena s gradual awakening is set against a convincing backdrop of totalitarian horror. The abrupt ending leaves enough unanswered questions to set breathless readers up for volume two of this trilogy. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)" Praise for Delirium: Strong characters, a vivid portrait of the lives of teens in a repressive society, and nagging questions that can be applied to our world today make this book especially compelling and discussable. --School Library Journal (starred review)" Praise for Delirium: "Strong characters, a vivid portrait of the lives of teens in a repressive society, and nagging questions that can be applied to our world today make this book especially compelling and discussable."--School Library Journal (starred review) Praise for Delirium: "In [Oliver's] dystopian America, love has been outlawed as the life-threatening source of all discord. Lena's gradual awakening is set against a convincing backdrop of totalitarian horror. The abrupt ending leaves enough unanswered questions to set breathless readers up for volume two of this trilogy."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Praise for Before I Fall: "Samantha's attempts to save her life and right the wrongs she has caused are precisely what will draw readers into this complex story and keep them turning pages until Sam succeeds in living her last day the right way."--Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review) Praise for Before I Fall: "Oliver's debut novel is raw, emotional, and, at times, beautiful....readers will love Samantha best as she hurtles toward an end as brave as it is heartbreaking."--Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Classic fairy tale elements weave throughout this spirited, old-fashioned adventure. Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression."--Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy. With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original. Acedera's frequent black-and-white illustrations are a perfect complement. An irresistible read: This book sings."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
