From National Book Award winner Kacen Callender, a contemporary YA that follows Lark’s journey to speak the truth and discover how their own self-love can be a revolution
Lark Winters wants to be a writer, and for now that means posting on their social media accounts––anything to build their platform. When former best friend Kasim accidentally posts a thread on Lark’s X declaring his love for a secret, unrequited crush, Lark’s tweets are suddenly the talk of the school—and beyond.
To protect Kasim, Lark decides to take the fall, pretending they accidentally posted the thread in reference to another classmate. It seems like a great idea: Lark gets closer to their crush, Kasim keeps his privacy, and Lark’s social media stats explode. But living a lie takes a toll—as does the judgment of thousands of strangers on the internet.
Lark tries their best to be perfect at all costs, but nothing seems good enough for the anonymous hordes––or for Kasim, who is growing closer to Lark, just like it used to be between them . . .
In the end, Lark must embrace their right to their messy emotions and learn how to be in love.
Praise
"A hilarious and bold love story for the ages."Mason Deaver, bestselling author of I Wish You All the Best
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**STARRED REVIEW**Publishers Weekly
"Callender proffers complex perspectives on activism, bullying, respectability politics, and polyamory, among other timely topics via a queer, socially conscious cast. Lark’s experiences are emotionally fraught but not overwrought, emblematic of a deeply kind soul who is growing and learning from every triumph and mistake."
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**STARRED REVIEW**The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The reverence Callender holds for the vulnerability and joy of their characters suffuses the writing with enduring warmth. Recommend Lark and Kasim to everyone, but especially to Black, queer, neurodiverse teens who deserve representation where their identities are accepted and celebrated."
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Booklist**STARRED REVIEW**
"This is a strongly character-driven novel that will certainly make readers root for Lark, Kasim, and their community and chosen family. It might even make them want to start revolutions of their own."
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"References to the COVID-19 pandemic are seamlessly interwoven into everyday life, and frank discussions of topics like autism and ADHD in the Black community, and how to navigate polyamorous relationships, feel fresh and necessary in the YA sphere."The Horn Book Magazine
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“This introspective, character-driven novel tackles thoughts on community, accountability, intersectional identities, mental health, polyamory, online clout, self-worth, and the right to take up space just exactly as you are. Callender’s nuanced portrayals of the main characters and their sincere, vulnerable voices provides important representation. Lark and Kasim make plenty of mistakes but also change and grow from them, leading to self-reflection that feels genuine and earned. A heartfelt and thoughtful look at a fractured friendship and the transformative capability of love and compassion.”School Library Journal
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