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Read Me Like a Book

by Liz Kessler

Interest age: 14+
Reading age: 9+

Published by Indigo, 2016

About this book

Written 15 years before it's first publication in 2015, Kessler's novel about 17-year-old Ash, discovering her sexuality and eventually coming out, was consigned to a drawer until the repeal of Section 28, which banned the 'promotion' of homosexuality. Kessler writes with enormous tenderness and sympathy as Ash juggles her parents' marriage break-up, her school friendships, and boyfriends. We see her growing realisation that her feelings for a dynamic teacher at school are forcing her to change her life, and acknowledge both her love of literature and her own emotional needs.

Adolescence is a tumultuous time for all teenagers, in which supportive novels such as Kessler's, which address many confusing issues around identity and relationships, can provide the reassurance and courage to face complex life choices.

About the author

Liz Kessler is the author of two popular children’s series: Emily Windsnap and Philippa Fisher. A Year Without Autumn was her first standalone title and was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Awards 2012. Born in 1966, Liz grew up in the seaside town of Southport in the north west of England. She studied English at Loughborough University, after which she gained a teaching qualification at Keele University. More recently, she gained a distinction in a Masters degree in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Before becoming an author, Liz taught English and Media Studies and ran Creative Writing courses. She also worked as a journalist at a few local and regional newspapers in Manchester and York. After school and university, Liz lived on a narrowboat on the canal for about ten years, after which she settled briefly in Manchester before travelling round Europe in a campervan for a year. She now lives in St Ives, Cornwall.

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