HATE IS SUCH A STRONG WORD PB – SARAH AYOUB

In the vein of DOES MY HEAD LOOK BIG IN THIS and LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI, HATE IS SUCH A STRONG WORD is the story of a seventeen-year-old girl caught between two cultures, Lebanese and Anglo Australian. Seventeen-year-old Sophie hates Monday mornings, socks worn with sandals, and having to strategise like she s a battle sergeant every time she asks her parents if she can go out. But she especially hates being stereotyped because she s Lebanese. When New Guy, Shehadie Goldsmith, is alienated at her Lebanese school because his dad s Australian, she hates the way it makes her feel. Like she s just as prejudiced as everyone else. Like she could make a difference if she stopped pretending she s invisible. Like the attraction between them might be too strong to fight…But hate is such a strong word…Can Sophie find the strength to speak out – even if it means going against everything she s been brought up to believe? A brilliant debut novel about identity, love, culture and finding your place. Ages: 12+