In the Key of Us

Girl to the Core

I Am Not Alone

Is Everyone Moonburned but Me?

Someone You Loved

Lush

Bad Best Friend

Many Points of Me

A poignant and lyrical young adult novel-in-verse about a Black teen coming of age in an anxiety-inducing world, from the author of For Black Girls Like Me and In the Key of Us.



I'm safe here.

That's how Sadie feels, on a perfect summer day, wrapped in her girlfriend's arms. School is out, and even though she's been struggling to manage her chronic anxiety, Sadie is hopeful better times are ahead. Or at least, she thought she was safe. When her girlfriend reveals some unexpected news and the two witness a violent incident of police brutality unfold before them, Sadie's whole world is upended in an instant.

I'm not safe anywhere.

That's how Sadie feels every day after--vulnerable, uprooted. She retreats inside as the weeks slip by and relies on her phone to stay connected to the outside world. When Sadie's therapist gives her a diagnosis for her debilitating panic--agoraphobia--she starts on a path of acceptance and healing. Meanwhile, Sadie's best friend, Evan, updates her on the protests taking place in their city. Sadie wants to be a part of it, to use her voice and affect change. But how do you show up for your community when you can't even leave your house?

I can build a safe place inside myself.

That's what Sadie learns over the course of one life-changing summer, with some help from her family, her best friend, an online platform for activists, and a magnetic crush she develops for the new boy next door.

From Stonewall Honor-winning author Mariama J. Lockington comes Forever is Now, a powerful young adult novel-in-verse about mental health, love, family, Black joy, and finding your voice and power in an unforgiving world.

Discover Your Child's Next Read

In the Key of Us

Mariama J. Lockington, 2022

Girl to the Core

Stacey Goldblatt, 2009

I Am Not Alone

Francisco X. Stork, 2023

Is Everyone Moonburned but Me?

Stella Pevsner, 2000

Someone You Loved

Robin Constantine, 2023

Lush

Natasha Friend, 2006

Bad Best Friend

Rachel Vail, 2020

Many Points of Me

Vesper Stamper, Caroline Gertler, Jesse Vilinsky, 2021