Faking Normal

An edgy, emotional, and realistic contemporary YA debut novel praised by the New York Times bestselling author of Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys, as “a beautiful reminder that amid our broken pieces we can truly find ourselves.”

Alexi Littrell hasn’t told anyone what happened to her over the summer by her backyard pool. Instead, she hides in her closet, counts the slats in the air vent, and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does—and deal with the trauma of her dark secret.

When Bodee Lennox—“the Kool-Aid Kid”—moves in with the Littrells after a family tragedy, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in this quiet, awkward boy who has secrets of his own. As their friendship grows into a powerful bond, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her summon the courage to find her voice and speak up about the rape that has changed the course of her life.

A story of two broken teenagers finding the missing pieces of themselves in each other, this novel delivers:

• Two Broken Teens: Alexi is hiding a traumatic secret; Bodee is reeling from a family tragedy that's made him an orphan. Together, they find a quiet understanding that no one else can offer.
• From Silence to Strength: For Alexi, speaking up about what happened is the hardest challenge of her life. With Bodee's help, she starts the difficult process of taking her life back.
• Honest Mental Health Fiction: A raw and authentic portrayal of dealing with trauma, featuring a protagonist who copes with compulsive behaviors and learns to navigate the path to healing.
• A Powerful, Realistic Story: Praised for its emotional depth, this novel tackles difficult subjects with sensitivity, making it an unforgettable read for teens and adults alike.

Alexi Littrell hasn't told anyone what happened to her over the summer by her backyard pool. Instead, she hides in her closet, counts the slats in the air vent, and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does.

When Bodee Lennox—"the Kool-Aid Kid"—moves in with the Littrells after a family tragedy, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in this quiet, awkward boy who has secrets of his own. As their friendship grows, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her summon the courage to find her voice and speak up.

“A beautiful reminder that amidst our broken pieces we can truly find ourselves.” - Ruta Sepetys, New York Times Bestselling Author of Between Shades of Gray

“Somewhere between Sarah Dessen and Laurie Halse Anderson lies Stevens’s rich debut about two adolescents grappling with extraordinary trauma....the mood is intense and the story moves briskly, complete with an ending so surprising that some readers may flip back to the beginning to start fresh.” - Publishers Weekly

“Reminiscent of Melinda in Speak, Alexi tries to find her voice. A story that resonates.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Debut novelist Stevens has written a powerful and fast-paced first-person story of a young woman who finds an inner strength she never knew she possessed.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)