Sunshine Bacon writes fiction for young adults and children. Rabbit Rabbit, her contemporary MG novel coauthored with Dori Hillestad Butler, publishes 4/15/25. It's already generating praise:
"Relatable, age-appropriate, and more important now than ever."
—Kirkus Reviews
Sunshine's second YA novel, Antipodes, is generating praise:
"Epic landscapes and tender moments"
—Kirkus Reviews
". . .a love story, yes, and as much one about loving ourselves for who and what we are. It’s wise, compassionate, and bursting with the bittersweet complexity of adolescence."
--Martha Brockenbrough, author of The Game of Love and Death
"Bacon has created an engrossing story that is incredibly relevant to teens. . .a mastery over writing the teenage voice. . .an excellent coming-of-age story for those who enjoy An Abundance of Katherines by John Green"
—School Library Journal
"Perfect for readers who yearn to travel abroad or who are trying to bridge the happiness gap."
—Booklist
“An engrossing read about being right side up when you’re upside down, and finding yourself when you didn’t even know you were lost. When you read Michele Bacon’s richly-detailed, fully-realized New Zealand, you’ll want to visit. When you meet Hank, you’ll want to stay.”
—Katie Kennedy, author of Learning to Swear in America
"...expertly plunges us into a captivating New Zealand setting and Erin’s journey as she learns how to whole-heartedly live her life rather than to simply accomplish it. Antipodes is a must-read."
—Natasha Sinel, author of The Fix and Soulstruck
“In the stark, unfamiliar beauty of New Zealand, Bacon’s heroine tells an intricately woven story that swims through a murky past to reclaim her own truth; a unique, beautifully written examination of a young woman who rescues herself with strength, humility and resilience.”
—Jennifer Longo, author of What I Carry
Sunshine's debut novel, Life Before, also was well received:
"A riveting story told in a voice that will resonate with teens...Bacon weaves a captivating narrative."
—School Library Journal
"Life Before is so well written, this teen could not put it down...It is absolutely phenomenal."
—Teen Reviewer from VOYA Magazine
“...A thought-provoking and engaging read"
—Mindi Scott, author of Freefall and Live Through This
"Bacon adds a new, honest, and strong voice."
—Cheryl Rainfield, author of Stained and Scars
“A gripping story about a shattered family and one boy’s journey to begin again. Bacon takes on the subject of domestic violence with skill and compassion in this fast-paced, suspenseful, and thoroughly enjoyable novel.”
—Kirsten Lopresti, author of Bright Coin Moon
Life Before is available in bookstores everywhere. You may order signed or personalized copies from Secret Garden Books. For personalized copies, indicate the book recipient's name during checkout in the "order comments" box.
"Relatable, age-appropriate, and more important now than ever."
—Kirkus Reviews
Sunshine's second YA novel, Antipodes, is generating praise:
"Epic landscapes and tender moments"
—Kirkus Reviews
". . .a love story, yes, and as much one about loving ourselves for who and what we are. It’s wise, compassionate, and bursting with the bittersweet complexity of adolescence."
--Martha Brockenbrough, author of The Game of Love and Death
"Bacon has created an engrossing story that is incredibly relevant to teens. . .a mastery over writing the teenage voice. . .an excellent coming-of-age story for those who enjoy An Abundance of Katherines by John Green"
—School Library Journal
"Perfect for readers who yearn to travel abroad or who are trying to bridge the happiness gap."
—Booklist
“An engrossing read about being right side up when you’re upside down, and finding yourself when you didn’t even know you were lost. When you read Michele Bacon’s richly-detailed, fully-realized New Zealand, you’ll want to visit. When you meet Hank, you’ll want to stay.”
—Katie Kennedy, author of Learning to Swear in America
"...expertly plunges us into a captivating New Zealand setting and Erin’s journey as she learns how to whole-heartedly live her life rather than to simply accomplish it. Antipodes is a must-read."
—Natasha Sinel, author of The Fix and Soulstruck
“In the stark, unfamiliar beauty of New Zealand, Bacon’s heroine tells an intricately woven story that swims through a murky past to reclaim her own truth; a unique, beautifully written examination of a young woman who rescues herself with strength, humility and resilience.”
—Jennifer Longo, author of What I Carry
Sunshine's debut novel, Life Before, also was well received:
"A riveting story told in a voice that will resonate with teens...Bacon weaves a captivating narrative."
—School Library Journal
"Life Before is so well written, this teen could not put it down...It is absolutely phenomenal."
—Teen Reviewer from VOYA Magazine
“...A thought-provoking and engaging read"
—Mindi Scott, author of Freefall and Live Through This
"Bacon adds a new, honest, and strong voice."
—Cheryl Rainfield, author of Stained and Scars
“A gripping story about a shattered family and one boy’s journey to begin again. Bacon takes on the subject of domestic violence with skill and compassion in this fast-paced, suspenseful, and thoroughly enjoyable novel.”
—Kirsten Lopresti, author of Bright Coin Moon
Life Before is available in bookstores everywhere. You may order signed or personalized copies from Secret Garden Books. For personalized copies, indicate the book recipient's name during checkout in the "order comments" box.