About the Author

X. J. Kennedy's stories have appeared in Story Quarterly, Texas Review, Sunday newspaper supplements, Science Fiction Quarterly, and other magazines. He has written several books of verse, among them In a Prominent Bar in Secaucus: new & selected poems (an American Library Association notable book), two dozen children's books, including a much praised novel The Owlstone Crown, and schoolbooks used by millions, including An Introduction to Fiction. A Hoarse Half-human Cheer is his first novel for adults.