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If you’ve read my books or interviews about me, you’ll know that I write about strong-girl (and emotionally strong boy), and that I draw deeply on my own trauma and healing. I had to save myself over and over again until I was finally safe, and I had to draw on my own strength to survive. I believe we are often much stronger than we think we are, and sometimes we don’t know just how strong we are until we’re faced with painful situations where we have to draw on our own strength to cope.

STAINED comes out in paperback on May 11! To celebrate, I’m releasing these limited edition T-shirts and hoodies. One quote is on the front, and one on the back. They’re available for pre-order now.

You ARE strong. Remind yourself or let someone you love know you believe in them.

I am honored to have two of my books–SCARS and STAINED–included under PTSD/Abuse & Assault in “Bibliotherapy for Teens: Helpful Tips and Recommended Fiction” by librarian Erin E Moulton on School Library Journal’s site. Erin wrote a moving and insightful article on the need for fiction to help readers, and she put together a fantastic list of books librarians, teachers, and readers can turn to for various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD especially from abuse and assault (and resulting in self-harm), dissociation, eating disorders, bi-polar, and more!

I used books to survive my own abuse and trauma as a child and teen–and I still use books to help me cope with the effects of trauma. So it always feels so good to hear from other readers and from librarians (and teachers) who recommend my books to others, or who read my books themselves and find them helpful. Thank you Erin for helping others find my books!

If you loved SCARS, I think you’ll enjoy STAINED–and you may want to get it while it’s deeply discounted. Right now STAINED is on sale for both Kindle and Nook for $1.99–until Oct 31st. I hope you grab yourself a copy.

In STAINED, Sarah think she knows what fear is–until she’s abducted. Then she must find a way to save herself.

Like I did with SCARS, I drew on my own trauma and healing experience to write STAINED.

I hope you enjoy it! And if you enjoy it, or like this deal, I hope you’ll let others know about it, too.

I am so thrilled and excited! HUNTED just got a glowing review in VOYA!

“Cheryl Rainfield writes a masterful dystopian fantasy novel with a gripping plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story is well written and steadily paced. Caitlyn is a daring, headstrong protagonist with enough grit to be an army of one. Supporting characters are multi-dimensional, garnering emotional attachment from the reader. Daniel and other secondary characters symbolize the ignorance of hatred and the persecution of people because they are different. Rainfield’s dynamic story expands on the themes of sexuality, racism, human rights and oppression. The first in a planned series, this is a thought-provoking tale that amplifies the reader’s awareness of controversial issues. This is a marvelous read for those teens who loved The Hunger Games.”—Laura Panter.

WOWza! It made me feel so good to read. I am still grinning!

And that’s just after CM’s rave review of HUNTED!

And not only is it in the top ten–it is NUMBER ONE! (grinning and grinning)

SCARS is the #1 Book on the 2011 YALSA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers!

I’m wanting to laugh and to cry. It’s SO good to have good news. To know that Scars will reach more teens who need it. To know that librarians value Scars. That they can see it’s reaching teens already. It’s just…WOW.

I don’t have a link yet…I keep reloading ALA page…but I had to tell you all any way! (beaming)

Lee Wind (of I’m Here, I’m Queer, What the Hell Do I Read?) asked me if I had a personal story behind Scars that made it the book I HAD to write. Check out my answer: The Personal Connection That Makes An Author’s Book The One They HAD To Write, as well as responses from other great authors, including some quotes from Ellen Hopkins.