Book details
Find Layla: A Novel
Description
A neglected girl's chaotic coming-of-age becomes a trending new hashtag in a novel about growing up and getting away by an award-winning author.Underprivileged and keenly self-aware, SoCal fourteen-year-old Layla Bailey isn't used to being noticed. Except by mean girls who tweet about her ragged appearance. All she wants to do is indulge in her love of science, protect her vulnerable younger brother, and steer clear of her unstable mother.Then a school competition calls for a biome. Layla chooses her own home, a hostile ecosystem of indoor fungi and secret shame. With a borrowed video camera, she captures it all. The mushrooms growing in her brother's dresser. The black mold blooming up the apartment walls. The unmentionable things living in the dead fridge. All the inevitable exotic toxins that are Layla's life. Then the video goes viral.When Child Protective Services comes to call, Layla loses her family and her home. Defiant, she must face her bullies and friends alike, on her own. Unafraid at last of being seen, Layla accepts the mortifying reality of visibility. Now she has to figure out how to stay whole and stand behind the truth she has shown the world.
Age
12-18
Text complexity
proficient
Length
188 pages
Why to read
- Emotional Resonance: 'Find Layla: A Novel' by Meg Elison is a deeply emotional and compelling story that explores themes of poverty, neglect, and resilience. Readers who appreciate narratives that evoke strong feelings and provide insight into the human condition will find this book particularly moving.
- Social Awareness: The novel sheds light on important social issues such as child neglect, the foster care system, and the challenges faced by those living in poverty. Reading it can increase awareness and empathy towards individuals in similar situations, fostering a greater understanding of these critical issues in society.
- Character Development: The protagonist, Layla, is a well-crafted and relatable character whose journey is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Readers will be drawn to her strength and determination as she navigates her difficult circumstances, making it a rewarding experience to follow her story and growth throughout the book.
- Engaging Narrative: Meg Elison has a talent for storytelling, and 'Find Layla' is no exception. The novel's pacing, plot twists, and the authenticity of the characters' voices make it a gripping read from start to finish. Those looking for a book that is hard to put down will find this novel to be an excellent choice.