Kim DeRose '01, M.F.A. '09

"For Girls Who Walk Through Fire," a young adult novel by Kim DeRose '01, M.F.A. '09, will be published Sept. 26 by Union Square and Co.

Described as "a fierce, deeply moving novel about perseverance in the face of injustice and the transformational power of friendship" by the publisher and "a searing examination of sexual assault centering teen witches who fight back" by Kirkus Reviews, the book follows four girls who don't have much in common but are united in their rage at a system that heaps judgments on victims and never seems to punish those who deserve it.

As they each take a turn casting a hex against their unrepentant assailants, the girls find themselves leaning on each other in ways they never expected — and realizing that revenge has heavy implications. Each member of the coven will have to make a choice: continue down the path of magical vigilantism or discover what it truly means to claim their power.

DeRose grew up in Santa Barbara, California, where she was one of 20 graduating seniors named a Distinguished Don at Santa Barbara High; the book takes place in Santa Barbara and features a number of local spots, including the the school, which is attended by the main character.

DeRose earned her M.F.A. in film directing, lives in New York City and works in digital media. "For Girls Who Walk Through Fire" is her first novel.