PORTFOLIO

These are just a few of my creative publications. Not included: most of what I wrote for Blue Ocean Brain (now HSI), and the thousands of articles I wrote for About.com (now ThoughtCo.com) as their Test Prep expert under Kelly C. Roell, my alter ego.

PROFESSIONAL WORK

PERSONAL ESSAYS

PRAISE FOR TAKE UP SPACE, Y’ALL

  • "Plus-size supermodel and activist Holliday empowers readers to reject traditional beauty norms and love themselves, inside and out. . . . A breezy, accessible, and uplifting guide to body positivity."

    ―Kirkus Reviews

  • “In a supportive, energetic tone, Holliday and Coon guide readers in learning how to love themselves and develop their own relationships with food, fashion, and friends. For any readers who feel they have to change themselves to fit in, this is an encouraging message to be their most authentic selves.”

    ―Booklist

  • “This work offers valuable insights and strives to empower teens to embrace who they are.”

    ―School Library Journal

  • “The practical suggestions from a variety of perspectives; teenager-friendly format (each chapter includes a quiz); and copious resources and encouragement makes this a valuable resource for readers navigating a complicated life stage.”

    ―Horn Book

  • “This is the book I wish I’d had when I was navigating adolescence. Every page is bursting with helpful, practical tips, beautiful insights on living your best life inside and out, and plenty of humor. Make space for this one on every young person’s book shelf. Fresh, fabulous, and fun.”

    ―Laura Taylor Namey, New York Times bestselling author of A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow

  • “Tess Holliday is someone I’ve long admired for how she shows up in the world for herself and others by pushing boundaries and trailblazing new paths for all of us. Take Up Space, Y’all is an unapologetic anthem to discovering and celebrating all of the facets of ourselves and to nourishing our continued evolution. Together, Tess and Kelly have crafted a powerful and important book.”

    ―Mandy Moore, singer-songwriter and actress

  • “Gosh, I love this book . . . If only I had it when I was growing up! Written in a language and tone that is like having a conversation with your bestie who loves you to bits (and also happens to know a ton more than you do), Tess’s vibrant spirit spills out of the pages, encouraging us to stop putting our trust and focus outside of ourselves, and instead to look inward. From debunking social media, to giving solid guidance for self-care and confidence building, Tess reminds us that we all have our own unique, great-big-beautiful soul that deserves to shine. And the moment we stop trying to shove ourselves into a mold that isn’t made for us, that’s when we start to soar.”

    ―Elisa Donovan, actress and author

  • “Tess Holliday and Kelly Coon’s wonderfully practical and brilliantly informative book is pitch perfectly age-appropriate and incredibly fun! It encourages the reader to look at their developing selves and navigate new situations with curiosity, creativity and a deep sense of kindness for themselves and the rest of the world.”

    ―Melanie Zanetti, award-winning actress and voice over artist

PRAISE FOR THE GRAVEMAIDENS DUOLOGY

  • “A dark, delectable, and utterly unique series that readers will want to drown in.”

    —Laura Sebastian, New York Times bestselling author of the Ash Princess series

  • “A dark and utterly enthralling journey to an ancient land, Gravemaidens grabs you by your beating heart and refuses to let go until the bitter, breathtaking end.”

    —Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series

  • “The atmospheric writing and lively dialogue will draw you into the story while the plot’s exciting twists and turns will keep you turning pages until the very end.”

    —Gita Trelease, author of Everything That Burns

  • “Twists and clues steadily advance the first-person narrative… accompanied by plenty of risk and excitement.”

    —Booklist

  • “Coon builds a rich and detailed world complete with a history and rules that readers will enjoy uncovering slowly.”

    —Kirkus Reviews

  • “The concept and mystery are compelling, the pace brisk, and Coon succeeds in showing how grief molds people in different ways.”

    —Publishers Weekly