
"Secret Lies" follows thirteen-year-old Elvira as she navigates a new life in rural Virginia, moving in with her aunt. She arrives with a head full of romanticized notions about the father she has never met, alongside her mother's strong opinions about small-town living. The core of the story revolves around Elvira's journey of discovery, as the idealized image of her father is confronted and ultimately "shattered" by reality. This book is suitable for older elementary to middle school readers, particularly those grappling with family secrets, identity, and the complexities of parental relationships. It offers a poignant exploration of truth, disillusionment, and resilience.
Thirteen-year-old Elvira arrives at her aunt's home in the hills of Virginia full of fantasies about the father she has never known and her mother's prejudices about life in a small town.