 | |
| Author | Saundra Mitchell |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | |
| Publisher | HarperTeen |
Publication date | October 29, 2019 |
| Awards | Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature shortlist |
| ISBN | 9780062852595 |
All the Things We Do in the Dark is a young adult psychological thriller novel by Saundra Mitchell, published October 29, 2019 by HarperTeen. The book was shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature. [1]
Because the story covers content that may be triggering for readers who are trauma survivors, the novel includes a trigger warning and resources. [2] The novel follows 17-year-old Ava, who experienced a sexual assault in her childhood, after she finds a woman's corpse in the woods. Instead of reporting to the police, Ava "protect[s] and care[s] for her," [3] enlisting the help of the victim's friend to solve the case. Most characters are Caucasian with the exception of the main character's lover being Jewish and part-Korean. [4]
All the Things We Do in the Dark received a starred review from Publishers Weekly [5] .
Kirkus Reviews referred to the novel as a "searing, fast-paced whodunit that addresses sexual assault head-on," [4] while Booklist called it an "insightful, cathartic read." [6] Booklist further highlighted how "Mitchell mixes contemporary drama—the joy of first love, the pain of breaking friendships—with psychological thriller." [6]
Both Booklist and The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books highlighted the Mitchell's author's note, which includes contact information for sexual assault helplines. [6] [2]
School Library Journal also provided a positive review. [7]
All the Things We Do in the Dark was shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature. [1]
All the ThingsWe Do in the Dark has been included in several book challenges and bans across the United States. Some public libraries have deemed the novel inappropriate for young readers. In Florida, the Collier County Public School Library restricted access to the book due to objections over its sexual content [8] . In Texas, the Midland County Public Library moved the book to an adults-only section and removed it from nearby library systems following concerns about its depiction of gender and sexuality [9] . In Virginia, the novel was among several titles challenged in Spotsylvania County Public Schools in 2023. A community member filed objections to the book for containing mature themes, and the district temporarily removed it pending review. Although a committee recommended the title be retained, the superintendent ordered the removal of All the Things We Do in the Dark [9] .