'An important contribution to the YA literary canon and a welcome reminder that love is love, no matter what.' - Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author

The first YA novel from bestselling author Liz Kessler, Read Me Like A Book is a brave, honest and vital coming-out story that follows one girl's exploration of love, identity and sexuality.

Ashleigh Walker is having a difficult year. She's struggling at school, and coming home to parents who are on the verge of divorce. She knows she should be happy spending time with her boyfriend - but, for some reason, being around him just makes her worry more. It's only in her English teacher, Miss Murray, that she feels she's found a kindred spirit. Miss Murray helps Ashleigh develop her writing skills and her confidence - but what happens when boundaries begin to blur? What will the repercussions be for Ashleigh? And how will she navigate her own sexuality?

About the Author

Liz Kessler studied English at Loughborough University, has worked as a teacher and a journalist and has an MA in Creative Writing from Manchester Metropolitan University. Liz now lives in Cornwall.

Find out more at www.lizkessler.co.uk and follow her on Twitter @lizkesslerbooks and like her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lizkesslerchildrensauthor.

For more about what this project means to Liz, read her blog at awfullybigblogadventure.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/lets-get-this-out-thereliz-kessler.html

Reviews
Naturally, I would recommend this book to anybody who loves YA fiction, but especially to those between the ages of 15 and 18. * Lesbot *
A warm, funny, engaging novel about friendship, family and following your heart. * Sarah Waters, award-winning author of The Night Watch and Tipping the Velvet *
In this coming of age story with a twist, Liz Kessler bravely and honestly navigates the mind of a teen who is discovering her sexuality - and simultaneously learning to be true to herself. An important contribution to the YA literary canon and a welcome reminder that love is love, no matter what. * Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Leaving Time and Between The Lines *
Coming out is part of her story, not her entire story -- a powerful message for teens who may view sexuality as the defining part of a person. Kessler's sensitivity and control over the plot is a thing of beauty ... a must-have on all LGBT lists * School Librarian *
A groundbreaking emotional novel * telegraph.co.uk *
It is a delightful, well told story that will no doubt broaden horizons, inform and facilitate discussions. * LGBT History Month *
After fifteen years, Read Me Like a Book is a celebration of how far we've come, and a reminder of how far we have yet to go. It's hilarious, sad, and, at times, an all too real story of first love that transcends sexuality without glossing over the struggles LGBT+ people face in today's world. * Reece Wymer, So So Gay *
compels and intrigues its reader and provides an excellent, enjoyable read along the way. A must-read * ARMADILLO *
Honestly. I loved this story. * The Bookbag *
a gripping read, an atmospheric adventure * NEWBOOKS *
This really is a brilliant book and definitely one that all teenagers should read. If you know any child who is struggling with their sexuality, this book would be an ideal read for them. The YA genre welcomes this book gladly to its fold. This book shows that when you fall in love, gender doesn't really matter. * Serendipity Reviews *



Book Information
ISBN 9781780622101
Author Liz Kessler
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Orion Children's Books
Publisher Hachette Children's Group
Weight(grams) 284g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 166mm * 24mm