Say the Word

Perfectionist Shawna dates the right boys, gets good grades, and follows her father's every rule. So when her estranged lesbian mother dies, Shawna needs to figure out how to have the perfect reaction. But anger from being abandoned ten years ago, combined with the introduction of her mother's other family, threatens to leave Shawna spinning out of control. A relatable and honest teen voice-and a shocking secret-make this novel a true page-turner.An ALA Best Book for Young Adults"Powerful and compelling . . . this sensitive and heart-wrenching story slowly unfolds into a gripping read." -Booklist, starred review"Garsee has created an intense, frank novel with fragile, resilient, believable characters." -School Library Journal