What happens when the weight of words are too heavy to hold that voicing them seems impossible? From the bestselling author The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School comes a revenge story told with nuance, heart, and the possibility of healing.
I used to think of myself as the Little Mermaid, whose voice was stolen by a sea witch. My voice comes back when I feel completely safe, which is really only ever at home. It makes having a social life in high school pretty much impossible.
Ariana Ruiz wants to be noticed. But as an autistic girl who never talks, she goes largely ignored by her peers-despite her bold fashion choices. So when cute, popular Luis starts to pay attention to her, Ari finally feels seen.
Luis's attention soon turns to something more, and they have sex at a party-while Ari didn't say no, she definitely didn't say yes. Before she has a chance to process what happened and decide if she even has the right to be mad at Luis, the rumour mill begins churning and boys at school now see Ari as an easy target, someone who won't say no.
Through a mysterious note in her locker and an unexpected Tumblr follower, it becomes apparent that Ari is one of many who who have been assaulted by Luis. And so a group of unlikely students come together, determined to expose Luis for the predator he is. In the process, a once lonely Ari, finds herself with an eclectic group of genuine friends, including her growing feelings for the very last girl she expected to fall for.
But in order to take Luis down, she'll have to come to terms with the truth of what he did to her that night-and risk everything to see justice done.
'Sonora's voice is one to watch!' Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin' (on The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School)
'A fresh story exploring timely issues.' Kirkus Review
'Biting prose and insightful discussions of accountability, explicit consent, and what that looks like for one neurodivergent teen, Reyes crafts a thrilling tale of vengeance.' Publisher's Weekly