• Age: 13 to 17
• Grade: 8 to 12

Janet Gurtler's books have been hailed as "just right for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jodi Picoult" (Booklist) and "reminiscent of Judy Blume" (RT Book Reviews). Her latest contemporary YA novel is by turns gripping, heart-wrenching, and joyous as one teen girl has to find the courage to carry on after a devastating tragedy.

She never thought a kiss could kill...

As the new girl in town, Samantha just wants to fit in. Being invited to a party by her fellow swim team members is her big chance...especially since Zee will be there. He hasn't made a secret of checking her out at the pool. Sam didn't figure on Alex being there too. She barely even knows him. And she certainly didn't plan to kiss him. It just kind of happened.

And then Alex dies—right in her arms...

Consumed by guilt and grief, Sam has no idea what to do or where to turn when everyone at school blames her. What follows is Sam's honest, raw, and unforgettable journey to forgive herself and find balance—maybe even love—in a life that suddenly seems to be spinning out of control.

Janet Gurtler's profile page

JANET GURTLER lives in Calgary, Canada with her husband and son and a chubby Chihuahua who refuses to eat dog food. Janet does not live in an Igloo or play hockey, but she does love maple syrup and says eh" a lot. Visit Janet at www.janet-gurtler.com.
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"Who I Kissed by far exceeded any expectation I had for it . . . an intense journey of a girl whose one decision changed her life but not for the worst." — Shortie Says

"[A] timely heartbreaker . . . Gurtler pulls no punches." — VOYA

"Not only was Samantha likable and relatable, she felt authentically real." — Jean Book Nerd

"Fueled by a portrayal of lust and hurt, it makes you think twice about your actions. Who I Kissed is a serious yet great story that everyone can get into." — Books with Bite

"Without excess heavy-handedness, Gurtler weaves a tale of collective responsibility as several teens reflect on their actions that one fateful night. A well-crafted story about a student’s fight to feel normal again when a community of peers turns on her." — Booklist

"Gurtler demonstrates sensitivity toward her characters and insight into their emotional responses . . . the characters breathe with life." — Kirkus Reviews

"It's a story that includes first kisses, the first kisses you wish you got, new romances, hope, hate, bullies, crushes, family relationships, and so much more. Most importantly it's book about forgiving and moving one." — Mundie Moms

"I take my hat off to her because this was definitely a difficult story to write but she really makes it work and I’d highly recommend this book to anyone." — Book Passion for Life

"The interactions and complicated relationships after a friend’s death make Who I Kissed a fascinating story. The reader will be rooting for Samantha to forgive herself." — Live to Read

"Who I Kissed was a powerful, heart wrenching book full of emotions" — Bewitched Bookworms

"Readers . . . will be immersed in her unique and disconcerting situation and will be absorbed in her struggle for personal redemption, self-acceptance, and hope." — School Library Journal