''Twisted'' is a

young adult novel Young adult literature (YA) is typically written for readers aged 12 to 18 and includes most of the themes found in adult fiction, such as family dysfunction, substance abuse, alcoholism, and sexuality. It is characterized by simpler world build ...

Laurie Halse Anderson Laurie Halse Anderson (born Laurie Beth Halse; October 23, 1961) is an American writer, known for children's and young adult novels. She received the Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 2010 for her contributio ...

published March 20, 2007 by

Viking Books Viking Press (formally Viking Penguin, also listed as Viking Books) is an American publishing company owned by Penguin Random House. It was founded in New York City on March 1, 1925, by Harold K. Guinzburg and George S. Oppenheimer and then acqui ...

Reception

Reviews

''Twisted'' was generally well-received by critics, including a starred review from ''

Kirkus Reviews ''Kirkus Reviews'' is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus. The magazine's publisher, Kirkus Media, is headquartered in New York City. ''Kirkus Reviews'' confers the annual Kirkus Prize to authors of fiction, no ...

''. ''

Publishers Weekly ''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of ...

'' wrote, "This dark comedy gives a chillingly accurate portrayal of the high-school social scene, in which morals, perceptions and conceptions of truth are continually being challenged." They further indicated that "readers will respect he main character'sintegrity, which outshines his mistakes."

Awards

Controversy

''Twisted'' is listed on the

American Library Association The American Library Association (ALA) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world. History 19th century ...

's (ALA) "Frequently Challenged Young Adult Books" list. The list is created via ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, which "receives reports from libraries, schools, and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country," then "compile lists of challenged books in order to inform the public about censorship efforts that affect libraries and schools." In 2022, ''Twisted'' was listed among 52 novels banned by the

Alpine School District Alpine School District. The district was founded in 1915, and includes all grades from kindergarten through high school (K-12). As of 2018, there were 58 elementary schools, 14 junior high schools, 11 high schools, and 9 special purpose sch ...

following the implementation of Utah law H.B. 374, “Sensitive Materials In Schools."

References

{{Reflist 2007 American novels American young adult novels Viking Press books Censored books