The critical reception for the book has been mostly positive. Kirkus Reviews said: "Funny, hopeful, foulmouthed, sexy and tear-jerking, this winning romance will captivate teen and adult readers alike."[2] Author John Green said Eleanor & Park "reminded me not just what it’s like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it’s like to be young and in love with a book."[3]
The American Library Association gave the book a 2014 Michael L. Printz Award Honor book for excellence in young adult literature.[4] Calling Eleanor & Park "an honest, heart-wrenching portrayal of imperfect but unforgettable love," The Boston Globe and The Horn Book Magazine presented Rowell the 2013 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for fiction.[5][6] The New York Times Book Review named it one of seven Notable Children's Books of 2013.[7] NPR said Eleanor & Park "captures the pure, visceral thrill of a high school swoon, but it never forgets that those feelings are real and important" in naming the book to its list of the Best Books of 2013.[8] The Association for Library Service to Children, the Young Adult Library Services Association and Booklist recognized the audiobook version of Eleanor & Park with a 2014 Odyssey Honor.[9]
Additional honors for Eleanor & Park:
- Indies Choice Young Adult Book of the Year by the American Booksellers Association[10]
- Amazon's Teen Book of the Year and Top Ten Book of the Year[11][12]
- Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Book of the Year[13]
- Young Adult Library Services Association Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults[14]
- Audible's Best Teen Audiobook of the Year[15]
