All That Shines

by Ellen Hagan

A contemplative novel in verse that questions what it means to lose everything you once treasured and rediscover yourself, falling in love along the way.

Chloe Brooks has only ever known what it's like to have everything. Her parents' wealth and place in society meant she had all she wanted, and friends everywhere she turned. Until it all crashes Her father is arrested in the middle of the night, under investigation for fraud.

Bankrupt and facing foreclosure, Chloe must forgo her lavish summer plans as she and her mom are forced to move into one of the rundown apartments they still own, just outside Lexington, Kentucky. Without her riches, Chloe loses her friends, her comfort, her confidence, and her sense of self, unsure of who she is and if she has anything to offer.

Then Chloe's new neighbors, Clint, Skye, James, and Natalia, introduce her to the side of Kentucky she's long ignored. These new friends are the only ones who see her for who she truly is, but will they stay by her side once they discover her family's true identity, or will Chloe lose them, too?

In her signature captivating verse, Ellen Hagan encapsulates the hesitant joy of reshaping your identity and rediscovering yourself.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Poetry, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Novel In Verse, Fiction

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Ellen Hagan is a writer, performer, and educator. Her books include: Crowned, Hemisphere, Watch Us Rise, a YA collaboration with Renée Watson, Blooming Fiascoes, Reckless, Glorious, Girl, Don’t Call Me a Hurricane and All That Shines. She has a new YA project forthcoming in 2025 with her partner David Flores. Ellen's poems and essays can be found in Oprah Magazine, ESPNW, So We Can Know: Writers of Color on Pregnancy, Loss, Abortion, and Birth (edited by Aracelis Girmay), Creative Nonfiction, Underwired Magazine, She Walks in Beauty (edited by Caroline Kennedy), Huizache, Small Batch, and Southern Sin. Ellen's performance work has been showcased at The New York International Fringe and Los Angeles Women's Theater Festival. She is the recipient of the 2020 New York Foundation for the Arts fellowing in poetry, the 2013 NoMAA Creative Arts Grant and received grants from the Kentucky Foundation for Women and the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts. National arts residencies include The Hopscotch House in Louisville, Kentucky and Louisiana Arts Works. Ellen is Head of the Poetry & Theatre Departments at the DreamYard Project and directs their International Poetry Exchange Program with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Australia. She is on faculty in the low residency MFA program at Spalding University and co-leads the Alice Hoffman Young Writer's Retreat at Adelphi University. A proud Kentucky writer, Ellen is a member of the Affrilachian Poets, Conjure Women, and is co-founder of the girlstory collective. She lives with her partner and children in New York City.

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury USA Children's Books, Bloomsbury YA, and Ellen Hagan for the opportunity to read All That Shines in exchange for an honest review.

A HiLo novel-in-verse, All That Shines explores the privileged life of the rich and the major changes when that life is turned upside-down.

Chloe only knows the high life of lavish and luxury, as her father owns multitudes of Brooks-family companies in Kentucky. After being arrested for embezzlement, Chloe and her mom must navigate life without all the riches in the world. They move to a run-down apartment complex, the only land left under their ownership, and Chloe learns about the other side of life.

Though living without getting what she wants when she wants it, Chloe learns what it means to cook and clean, to make friends who aren't judgmental, and to appreciate the beauties of life that don't cost a penny. She learns a lot through Clint, one of the boys who lives at the complex, and not only does she re-evaluate herself and what is important in live, she also gets to experience familial and romantic love in a whole new, more genuine way.

The cover is gorgeously adorable, and there is a multitude of lessons that a younger reader can take away from this novel. A glorious piece of art that a young adult audience will learn from and thoroughly enjoy.

[Cassandra (Thebookishcrypt) · Rating 1 out of 5]

*arc provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I was really excited for this story since it's told in verse, and I'm a sucker for that. But I think the mistake was the main character. I really REALLY disliked her since the first page to the last. Her 'growth' was not believable to me. Also not a fan of her mother who basically had the personality of a rock. Like mom, like daughter I guess.
I really loved Clint though, the star is for him since he had me laughing most of the book. He singlehandedly carried this story.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

“But truth is she as lost as I am.”
🐎
Chloe Brooks has Money with a capital M. She lives her best country club life, as do her parents, until it all comes crashing down. When her father is arrested for fraud and embezzlement, Chloe and her mom are forced out of their mansion into a crumbling apartment complex on the other side of town. This is where her mother was raised, but it has since been left behind to crumble. It’s there that Chloe meets a group of kids her age that are also as into music as she is. What happens when they find out she’s not who they think she is? Can she change from spoiled rich girl into someone with substance?
🏚️
This was such a special YA novel in verse. Chloe’s character growth was definitely my favorite part. This would be great to study in school as it focuses heavily on not just a character arc, but also on the setting. I really want to visit Kentucky now! This book released today by @bloomsburypublishing. Congrats @ellenhagan on another beautiful novel.

CW: classism, jail, death of parents (recounted), bullying

[Nikita Ladd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen Hagan remembers absolutely everything about teenage love, heartbreak, and energy. Every line of this book sings and aches with the growing pains of getting older (and getting schooled by folks who know more than you, too). Hagan writes with a rhythm and musicality that makes it truly impossible to stop reading. Couldn't put it down. Read it in one day. Give it to all your favorite teens, and read it for yourself, too.

[Eloise Parrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I don’t normally enjoy books in verse cause they don’t really make sense to me. With that in mind, I was shocked that I could understand this book. The plot was easy to see and the characters were more than three dimensional. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who wants to try a novel in verse.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"All That Shines" by Ellen Hagen is a poignant exploration of privilege, self-discovery, and the enduring power of friendship, all delivered in the unique format of a novel in verse.

Chloe Brooks finds her world turned upside down when her family's wealth and status crumble due to her father's arrest for fraud. Hagen's skillful storytelling captures the stark contrast between Chloe's life of abundance and the newfound reality of financial hardship. The novel serves as a thought-provoking reminder of how easily we can take our privileges for granted until they are taken away.

As Chloe and her mother navigate their new life in a rundown apartment outside Lexington, Kentucky, the story beautifully unfolds. Chloe's transformation from a sheltered, wealthy girl into someone who must grapple with her own self-worth is handled with authenticity. Her character growth is tangible and relatable, making her journey of self-discovery all the more compelling.

One of the strengths of this book lies in its well-drawn side characters—Clint, Skye, James, and Natalia. They provide Chloe with the friendship and support she desperately needs. The bonds that form between Chloe and her new friends are heartwarming, showcasing the importance of genuine connections and shared experiences.

Hagen's writing in verse adds a layer of emotion and depth to the narrative. While it may take a little time for some readers to adjust to this format, it ultimately brings Chloe's inner turmoil and self-reflection vividly to life.

The story delves into the idea that wealth and material possessions do not define a person's worth or happiness. It serves as a powerful reminder that self-identity is not tied to external circumstances and that true friendships are based on authenticity.

"All That Shines" is a captivating read that combines heartfelt storytelling with a unique narrative style. Ellen Hagen masterfully crafts a story that explores the complexities of privilege and self-discovery, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

4.3 rounded down to 4/5

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"All That Shines" by Ellen Hagen is a poignant exploration of privilege, self-discovery, and the enduring power of friendship, all delivered in the unique format of a novel in verse. Chloe Brooks finds her world turned upside down when her family's wealth and status crumble due to her father's arrest for fraud. Hagen's skillful storytelling captures the stark contrast between Chloe's life of abundance and the newfound reality of financial hardship. The novel serves as a thought-provoking reminder of how easily we can take our privileges for granted until they are taken away. As Chloe and her mother navigate their new life in a rundown apartment outside Lexington, Kentucky, the story beautifully unfolds. Chloe's transformation from a sheltered, wealthy girl into someone who must grapple with her own self-worth is handled with authenticity. Her character growth is tangible and relatable, making her journey of self-discovery all the more compelling. One of the strengths of this book lies in its well-drawn side characters—Clint, Skye, James, and Natalia. They provide Chloe with the friendship and support she desperately needs. The bonds that form between Chloe and her new friends are heartwarming, showcasing the importance of genuine connections and shared experiences. Hagen's writing in verse adds a layer of emotion and depth to the narrative. While it may take a little time for some readers to adjust to this format, it ultimately brings Chloe's inner turmoil and self-reflection vividly to life. The story delves into the idea that wealth and material possessions do not define a person's worth or happiness. It serves as a powerful reminder that self-identity is not tied to external circumstances and that true friendships are based on authenticity. "All That Shines" is a captivating read that combines heartfelt storytelling with a unique narrative style. Ellen Hagen masterfully crafts a story that explores the complexities of privilege and self-discovery, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: "Mom, can I borrow your earrings?
The diamonds? I think they'd match,"
I say, twirling, my new dress
swinging just above my knees.
And throwing myself back onto her chaise.

Premise/plot: Chloe Brooks is RICH-rich. But her oh-so-fabulous life among the rich-and-wealthy is about to slip away--and it's a long, hard fall. Her and her mother watch "helplessly" as her father is arrested and charged with crimes. Her old life being forfeit and her friends mostly being brats, the two brainstorm to find a way to start over...together. Fortunately, her mother has a little of her own that was not shared property...and it's an apartment complex on "the wrong side of town." Can Chloe survive her social missteps long enough to find true love and new besties?

My thoughts: Most of the book is Chloe apologizing for saying the wrong thing in the wrong way to the wrong people and offending just about everybody just by existing. I get that this is supposed to be a feel-good young adult romance, but it has all the makings of a made for TV movie. In my opinion. That could be a good thing for some readers.

I didn't love this one. I found Chloe insufferable at times. Not because she WAS rich and now isn't. But because she's literally apologizing every other page for saying something "wrong" and "offensive." But what she is saying is what she actually is thinking. I also found it very sitcom-ish in that the resolution happens EXTREMELY quickly and without as much groundwork as would be necessary. In a movie with a montage scene to a great song, it would definitely work better.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and loved Ellen Hagan’s MG NIV Reckless, Glorious Girl in less than a day but am pretty sure that I flew through this NIV for teens a bit faster. Chloe is a spoiled and pampered princess who lives in excess and treats those outside of her ultra rich circle as beneath her and Hagan’s verse conveys that personality with glitzy and vapid words that will have readers thoroughly disliking the 17 year old. But Chloe’s world collapses when her father is arrested for fraud, their home and belongings are seized, and she and her mom are forced to retreat to the run down apartment building that is still in her mother’s name. It is there that Chloe’s story changes, as does the voice in the verse, and she begins to understand that now her “shine” must come from inside and not diamonds that are around her neck and from things she does for others rather than what others do for her. It all happens over a summer, and while that kind of transformation would normally take far longer, the message is clear and readers in grades 8 and up are sure to enjoy the journey. All That Shines is free of violence but there are a few instances of mild profanity and Chloe does have two love interests and with both, there is kissing and the question of how much more will she allow to happen, but there is no sex or even undressing. Excellent addition to libraries serving a YA audience.

Thanks for the print arc, Bloomsbury.

[Idalis Evangelista · Rating 3 out of 5]

“All that Shines” by Ellen Hagan is a rollercoaster. This book explores a lot of emotions, some of them being: Happiness, fear, confusion, shame, anger, and love. Ellen Hagan did a wonderful job showing these emotions in her book. The poetry definitely helped bring them out.


“All that Shines” is about a girl(Chloe Brooks) coming from a wealthy, famous family. In a short span of time her whole world seems to turn upside down when her Father is arrested and taken under investigation for fraud. Everything she's known her dad for, a hard worker, a great man was all a lie. Chloe and her mother are forced to move to an “ugly apartment building” She meets some new people there. The author shows us how she slowly changed her way of thinking, being rich isn’t everything, sure it makes you feel good but you can have fun without all that. Clint and the rest of his friends helped show that to her. Along the way Clint and Chloe eventually fall in love.


This book is not only about romance it's also about family. they all came together and started investing into their homes, really taking care of it as a community. They worked on repairing things, gardening and much more. When they would come together they made memories and had fun doing so. All that shines hits many themes, this book will take you on a ride. I felt a lot of emotions while reading it and I think that's what a good book does. It brings out emotions.

[The Bookish Narwhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

First drawn in by the cover, I discovered this story to be a HiLo novel-in-verse that explores the life of the privileged slash rich, and the major changes that come when that life is taken away. All That Shines by Ellen Hagan had some Schitt’s Creek vibes going on and I was totally here for it.

Meet Chloe. She knows the life of luxury because her dad owns many companies in Kentucky. He’s arrested for embezzlement, so along with her mom, Chloe has to navigate life without the glitz and glamour they’re used to. Join Chloe as she learns to cook, clean, appreciate the small things, and form true friendships. But will Chloe be able to re-evaluate herself, what is important in life, and in turn experience love and life in a genuine way?

This is a fantastic YA novel-in-verse and I think it would make a great addition to any English class. Hagan’s work should be studied for setting construction and character creation. With a clear message, Hagan captivates readers and intrudes on your thoughts even after you’re finished reading. But it’s not a bad thing, because this book is just terrific! I highly recommend this read to all readers above the eighth grade.

[Thindbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books written in verse and Hagan nailed it with the writing. This book was very well written when it came to the plot and the writing style. You don’t have to think hard about what’s happening as the verse explained everything well. This book gave off Schitt’s Creek vibes as there were friendships grow and the characters go through similar problems. Chloe was a great character and I loved her character development as she lost so much but gained true friendships at the end. The side characters were also amazing and there’s a bit of cute romance for our romance lovers. I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to young readers who was a fast, different style writing that is fun with amazing character development.

*this arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*

[David James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen’s beautiful, poignant writing style tells a story of class in America. The real, true struggle of fitting in and finding one’s self that young adults tend to experience as they mature. The unfair and unequal distribution of wealth but also the beauty of appreciating and loving what one has and the love one can find where they are. The writing is so full of life it feels as though I know Kentucky even though I’ve never been there. The story pulled me in so fully that I read it in two days while juggling work and responsibilities. Ellen captures the sweet and exciting thrills of adolescent love. I highly recommend including, All That Shines, to your personal library.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I confess I was skeptical I would like this book, since I've rarely read a book done in verse that remotely impressed me. They usually read like someone chopped paragraphs up and made them look arty. All That Shines is an exception--the words actually flow and convey the feelings of Chloe as she tries to adjust to the sudden changes in her previously affluent and self-centered life. It was also a bonus that the story was set in the South. Not that I know much about Kentucky, but I have lived in the South all my life--and the author (who grew up in KY) writes with a very believable Southern feel.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book used music and verse throughout to propel the storyline. It was a riches to rags story that I had a hard time believing. The main characters personality changes seemed abrupt and choppy. There was a lot of new things for the characters to cope with and it seemed shallow to me.
I found it a struggle to like most of the characters and many of them seemed to accepting and chill for me to believe.
The writing style didn't work for me because it seemed to go back and forth between prose and poetry. Maybe that threw me off which distracted me from engaging with the story.

[Ashley Urquhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story written in verse detailing Chloe’s transformation after her family loses everything. Chloe was appropriately unlikable in the beginning and it was great to see her and her mother grow and evolve as the summer progressed. I’m not huge into poetry, so the fact that the story was in verse seemed unnecessary to me. I would have liked more context and more description and more for the supporting characters.

Note: I received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hagan writes a beautiful book in poetry form telling the story of a mother and daughter who lost it all. This book gave my OC cotillion episode vibes where Jimmy ( father of Marissa) loses it all due to gambling and corrupt business antics; only to be shunned by the elite of the OC. The opening scene to this book is identical.
I loved the way Hangan created realistic characters that were resistant to change in the beginning yet pulled forth as mother and daughter to do the right thing. Many young adults will enjoy this book.

[Cam Kovach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good YA book. Coming of age story written in verse that chronicles a teenager’s realization that not everyone lives in wealth. She comes to term with this during her family’s fall from grace and loss of power. Some teenage romance and a lot of angst. Really enjoyed the writing style - being written in verse, the author stripped away explanatory and descriptive passages and dealt with the heart of the story.

[Elizabeth]

Chloe was a little annoying with her wishy-washy feelings, but I did enjoy the book and want to visit Kentucky.
One thing that always bugs me is when a character is mentioned in a book as having a certain characteristic, and then it not represented on the cover. It was noted in the book that Clint had glasses, but he doesn’t have any on the cover. Would people really not pick up this book if they saw a guy wearing glasses?

[Simone Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe Brooks has it all, and loses it all. Yet in the midst of this loss, she finds more than she could have imagined. What a beautiful story of family, found family, love, loss, identity, and self-worth, written by Ellen Hagen.

She does such a great job sharing the beauty that is Kentucky with readers. I can see the bluegrass blowing in the evening, smell the cornbread baking in the oven, hear the singing at dusk.

Thank you for reminding us that all that shines, starts from within.

[Araceli Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was pure fantastic. The verse is gorgeous and author Ellen Hagan has crafted a wonderful romance set in Lexington, Kentucky. She not only encapsulates the meaning of what it is to love as well as to lose, she also sends readers on a path of learning about who you are without the excess. All That Shines is so worth reading! Highly recommend it.

[Ashley Wendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good NIV! All That Shines is a great reminder for what’s important in life and how easy it is to take a wealthy life for granted. I think Ellen Hagan did a wonderful job making this theme feel fresh and relevant in her writing.

Thanks to NetGalley!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her father is arrested for fraud and the family loses everything, Chloe teaches readers to keep moving forward and to find your truest self. Ellen Hagan’s newest novel in verse reminds us all that money does not equal happiness or self worth. Beautifully written.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel in verse just doesn't work for me. The main character, Chloe, has some really upsetting things happen, but she is just completely un-relatable. The plot is okay and it works well as a novel in verse, but I can't get past the un-relatable main character.

[BookishMunchkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! Written in verse (which I love), set in Kentucky (you can FEEL the authors love for this state, it was heartwarming), with an unlikeable main character girl (my fave). I just wish it had been longer! Beautiful book!

[Kylah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced and good plot. Interesting choices in the way the sentences were written, almost like poetry or songs. Not a bad read, just not my fav. More like a 3.5. also it is a nice clean read, not kisses and touching, but nothing more.

[Mita · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't like the FMC. She was so unlikable, in a bad time like this of her family she wasn't even trying to cooperate. She couldn't do the basic house chores and whoever tries to help she'd give them unnecessary attitude. DNF at 35%

[A.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. The descriptions. The heavy loss. But there’s also the hope. And it’s all so beautifully told in verse. Love love loved it!

[Jennifer Hottinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe’s life is turned upside down when her Dad is arrested. She is forced to reassess what life and love truly are. Loved this novel in verse!

[Alesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story in verse really worked. It has a Schitt’s Creek vibe. Great character development.