Young Adult Books
As author/illustrator:
THE GREAT & THE SMALL,
2nd edition
NEWLY RELEASED!
​The Great and The Small follows a young tormented teen who befriends a rebellious rat and the inexplicable way their lives intertwine in this dark yet hopeful story of resilience, acceptance, and strength.
​
Told as mirroring narratives that reverberate with the effects of buried trauma, and informed by historical accounts of plague and dictatorship, this stunning tale examines what it takes to grasp for light in the darkness and survive the threats both beyond us and within us.
​
Publisher: Common Deer Press
Review of 2nd edition ~ Erika M. Weinert, The Werd Nerd blog
​"I recommend picking up a copy of The Great and the Small on its release date, September 3, 2024. It is a YA novel that teens will enjoy, but with the action and suspense, adults will too. Not to mention, if you’re the parent of a teenager, the insight into a teen’s mind is invaluable and may just provide you with some clarity and understanding."
​
Review of 2nd edition ~ Michael Costanzo, City on the Moon blog
"While the novel is certainly a young adult novel, there is more than enough here for adults to enjoy as well. I am very glad that A. T. Balsara was able to come back to this story and turn it into the engaging novel it is."
buy here
1st Edition Awards & Reviews:
Review ~ Leila Merl, poet and former high school teacher
"Exploring the complex layers of the human (and animal) heart, and what it means to love and struggle with ties to family as well as the greater good, A.T. Balsara deftly weaves a tale that is compelling and thought-provoking. Asking the reader to understand how ignorance, misunderstanding, blind ideology, hatred, and betrayal can lead us only into the darkest abyss, The Great & the Small reminds us of the higher ideals that unite us all, whether great or small. Pulling the reader in with a force and sense of purpose that never subsides, A.T. Balsara’s graphic novel is rife with gorgeous, sensitive illustrations, as well as thoughtful, intelligent prose."
Literary Classics Book Awards 2018 ELOQUENT QUILL Award winner. GOLD in Upper Middle Grade, and Epic
A 2018 Moonbeam Book Awards Silver winner
A 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Silver Winner
A 2018 National Indie Excellence Awards finalist
A Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review recipient
As Illustrator:
The Perilous Journey of Gavin the Great
"In The Perilous Journey of Gavin the Great Illustrated Edition, Gutteridge has written a timely tale that celebrates the power of courage, perseverance, family, friendship, and camaraderie. The pacing is measured, and the worldbuilding is cleverly wrought and inviting. Sensible and tenacious, Gavin is wholly likable, and so are his companion creatures. Bolstered by A. T. Balsara’s black-and-white illustrations, this delightful fantasy truly stands out. A must-have for libraries shelves."
-- The Prairies Book Reviews
Order Don's book here.