Local Author's First Novel Speaks to Teens

Packing up and moving across the country is difficult for anyone, and for children and teenagers, the transition can be daunting. In Anne Amato’s first novel, Moving Shelly, leaving old friends behind and carving out a niche in a new school are just two of the challenges faced by the novel’s protagonist.

Shelly, a 12-year old girl, embarks on the nerve-wracking journey from Illinois to New Jersey. Amato, who took a similar trip at 15, said she left little out.

“It’s from the heart,” said Amato. “I did go through this. It’s fiction, but a lot of it is true.” Amato moved to the Two River area at the same age as the girl in her book.

Young readers will find that they can empathize with Shelly who, like Amato, engaged in some “ridiculous” antics to fit in.

“I was unhappy, so I did do some of the ridiculous things she does,” said Amato. “She gets caught cheating, and she is not a cheater by any means.”

Amato describes an incident where Shelly, focusing on her test, is tapped on the shoulder by a popular girl and, unsure of what to do, allows the girl to copy off of her. Even if readers don’t share the experience of moving to a new school, they can certainly relate to the difficulties of fitting in that everyone has had to endure.

“These are events a lot of people have to go through,” said Amato. “As a kid, it can be very traumatic and very difficult.”

But Amato’s message is one of hope, for both Shelly and for all adolescents struggling to find their place and adapt to the changes along the way.

“Change is not always bad,” said Amato. “It can be good, and often people don’t want to accept it. You get used to new situations, and you end up embracing them.”

Moving Shelly is Amato’s first novel, but the idea has been with her since she lived the story herself.

“I always had the story in my head,” said Amato. “I thought, ‘I need to write this down.’ I wanted to go through day-to-day problems that kids face.”

It took Amato about four years to get the story on paper, but the time and effort paid off. Amato received an Editor’s Choice award from her publishing company, and enjoys seeing her book on display both locally and online.

Amato’s children have also read the book, and her 13-year-old even wrote a book report on Moving Shelly.

“They read it and liked it,” said Amato. “Other kids have said they read it and they enjoy the story.” 

Amato doesn’t have any specific plans for a second book yet, but she does have advice to writers based on her experience.

“Find subject matter that you’re passionate about,” said Amato. “It’s much easier.”

Amato said that having the book published was a dream come true, and encouraged writers to follow their own dreams of getting published.

“If people like it, then that’s a bonus,” said Amato.

Moving Shelly is available online through Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com, and in print at River Road Books in Fair Haven, Family Pharmacy in Little Silver, and Professional Pharmacy in Red Bank.

She can be contacted at realmcc3@gmail.com.