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Description
Seventeen-year-old Emily's world crumbles when her boyfriend dumps her and when she thinks her life can’t possibly get any worse, a series of secrets are revealed that threaten to tear her beloved family apart. Emily feels like she has no one to turn to, until an unexpected friendship blossoms with a troubled classmate named Leo. Sometimes despondent but always supportive, Leo is Emily's rock in an ocean of confusion and disbelief.
Leo's life isn't easy either, and he struggles to be both mother and father to his little sister while his mom battles her alcohol addiction. The two friends lean on each other, and in the end discover the inner strength to face whatever life throws at them.
With incredible insight into the teenage psyche and speckled with pitch-perfect humour, author Sylvia Gunnery has created a heart-warming coming of age story that is sure to connect with young adult readers.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 13 to 16
- Grade:
- 8 to 11
Editorial Reviews
As the narrator who shares her responses to a stream of stupefying revelations, Emily becomes a real girl, not a cardboard cut-out of a teen.
— CanLit for LittleCanadians
Gunnery's style is enjoyably terse and direct...observations like "crying is not cathartic" are short on words but high on impact.
— Quill & Quire
Gunnery nicely captures the way families really are, the sweet, mundane and strained interactions of everyday life...Emily for Real is a satisfying read for teens who will root for Emily as she faces the challenges of friendship and families and growing up.
— The Chronicle Herald
...genuinely touching at its tear-inducing, hopeful end.
— Kirkus Reviews
...Gunnery gives Emily a thoughtful, introspective, and easily relatable voice.
— School Library Journal
Young adult readers, especially females, will enjoy reading about the challenges Emily faces and will cheer her on throughout the book, and she attempts to unravel the secrets which have been woven around her.
— CM Magazine
Emily's genuine characterization keeps the situation grounded in real emotion that readers will be able to relate to.
— Resource Links
