Arden Grey

An insightful, raw YA novel about a young photographer navigating toxic relationships and how they influence her identity

Sixteen-year-old Arden Grey is struggling. Her mother has left their family, her father and her younger brother won't talk about it, and a classmate, Tanner, keeps harassing her about her sexuality--which isn't even public. (She knows she likes girls romantically, but she thinks she might be asexual.) At least she's got her love of film photography and her best and only friend, Jamie, to help her cope. Then Jamie, who is trans, starts dating Caroline, and suddenly he isn't so reliable. Arden's insecurity about their friendship grows. She starts to wonder if she's jealous or if Jamie's relationship with Caroline is somehow unhealthy--and it makes her reconsider how much of her relationship with her absent mom wasn't okay, too. Filled with big emotions, first loves, and characters navigating toxic relationships, Ray Stoeve's honest and nuanced novel is about finding your place in the world and seeking out the love and community that you deserve.

Author: Ray Stoeve
Publisher: Amulet Books
Published: 04/26/2022
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.60w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9781419746000
Age Range: 13-17

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2022
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2022
Booklist 04/15/2022 pg. 50
School Library Journal 07/01/2022 pg. 66