A River I Must Be

Rebecca Tapia has started at a prestigious new school and is overwhelmed by the rules and expectations. With her mum away, and her dad facing challenges of his own, Rebecca's only way of surviving is to mask her autism.

Like a river,
I must keep flowing,
finding a way through
if I want to survive.
I will adapt
and fit in at school
no matter the pain this causes me.
I will paint on a mask
and hide my struggles.
I must do more, be more,
or risk spoiling everything.
But can I be strong
like a river?

A compelling and moving verse novel by award-winning author Kate Foster, who combines her heartfelt writing with an authentic view of autism and the daily pressure of masking. And the joy of freeing yourself from that.