For teens grappling with their identity and finding their voice, this book explores complex friendships, activism, and the power of speaking truth to power.
Parents might reach for this book when their teen is navigating the intense pressure of social media, activism, and figuring out their own identity in a very public world. It tells the story of Lark, a nonbinary, neurodivergent teen who accidentally catapults their former best friend, Kasim, into the spotlight by writing a viral post about him. Lark must then grapple with the lie, their crippling anxiety, and what it means to truly have a voice. The book thoughtfully explores complex themes like authentic friendship, queer identity, mental health, and the difference between performative and genuine activism. For ages 13 and up, it’s an excellent choice for teens who feel like outsiders or are struggling to find the courage to speak their truth, offering a hopeful and deeply relatable story.
Protagonist experiences severe social anxiety, panic attacks, and feelings of isolation.
LanguageModerate
Realistic teen profanity is used, including some strong language.
Romantic ContentMild
Some kissing and discussion of crushes and romantic relationships.
Sensitive Topics
Identity is handled directly. Lark is nonbinary (they/them pronouns), polyamorous, and neurodivergent (anxiety, on the autism spectrum). Racism is also direct, serving as the plot's catalyst and explored through discussions of microaggressions and performative allyship. Mental health, specifically social anxiety and panic attacks, is depicted explicitly and with compassion. The resolution is hopeful but realistic, emphasizing that self-acceptance is an ongoing process rather than a final destination.
Ideal Reader
A teen (14+) who struggles with social anxiety, feels like they don't fit in, or is exploring their own queer and/or neurodivergent identity. It's particularly resonant for a young person who feels overwhelmed by the pressure to be a perfect online activist and is afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for discussions on nonbinary gender identity (the book consistently uses they/them pronouns for Lark), polyamory (Lark's family structure), and the nuances of online activism. No specific scenes require previewing, but a parent’s familiarity with these contemporary topics will enrich conversations. The book can be read cold by a teen. A parent hears their teen expressing anxiety about social justice issues, saying they feel like a “bad” person or activist for not being vocal enough online. The teen may seem overwhelmed by social media discourse or feel intensely lonely despite being connected online.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely connect most with the friendship fallout, the romantic tension, and the drama of the secret. An older teen (15-18) will more deeply appreciate the sophisticated critique of performative activism, the nuances of Lark's anxiety, and the commentary on crafting an identity online versus living it offline.
What Makes It Special
This book's standout feature is its compassionate, first-person dive into the mind of a nonbinary and neurodivergent protagonist. It shifts the focus from an external coming-out story to the internal, messy struggle of managing anxiety and finding an authentic voice. Its sharp, timely critique of social media activism from a teen perspective is both unique and deeply relevant.
Read plot summary
Lark, a nonbinary, neurodivergent aspiring writer, is wrestling with loneliness and anxiety after a falling out with their best friend, Kasim. When a racist threat is made against a Black teacher at their school, Lark anonymously writes a powerful post praising Kasim’s quiet strength. The post goes viral, and everyone assumes Kasim wrote it. Caught between their desire to be seen and their fear of speaking up, Lark lets the lie grow, pushing Kasim into an activist role he's not prepared for. The story follows Lark's journey to untangle the lie, reconnect with Kasim, and find their own authentic voice beyond the internet.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Lark creates a fake online persona for Kasim, believing they are helping. When does speaking up for someone else cross the line into speaking over them? Where did you see this happen in the story?
2
The book critiques 'performative activism'. What examples of this did you notice from characters? How does Lark's idea of what makes a 'real' revolution change by the end?
3
Lark's anxiety and neurodivergence significantly impact their actions. How does the first-person perspective help you understand their choices, even when they are making mistakes?
4
Discuss the friendship between Lark, Kasim, and Sabrin. What does their journey back to each other say about forgiveness and the work it takes to build an honest friendship?
