Overview

Wealthy, popular Charlotte and quiet, working class Drew couldn’t be more different, but both face a common enemy at Cooke’s Academy in the form of the Stewards – an elite group of students whose power to manipulate school culture is feared by pupils and teachers alike. Drew, a newcomer to Cooke’s, must navigate the strict codes of masculinity laid down by the Stewards in order to have a hope of moving on to university, while Charlotte dreams of speaking freely about the constraints and abuses of the culture which is propelling her towards a life she’s not sure she wants. Through drag art and poetry the unlikely pair follow a dangerous trajectory which will lead them closer to one another and further away from the paths laid out for them.

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9781915071422

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Reviews

"""Emotional, gripping, and so, so real."" * Louise Finch, author of The Eternal Return of Clara Hart * ""Shirley-Anne McMillan's writing is bold, brave and full of integrity. Grapefruit Moon is an up-to-the-minute, but also timeless coming-of-age story – heartfelt, gutsy and complex."" -- Sheena Wilkinson, author of Hope against Hope ""Real. Gritty. Heart-wrenching. Thought-provoking."" * Sue Divin, author of Guard Your Heart and Truth Be Told *"

"""Shirley-Anne McMillan's writing is bold, brave and full of integrity. Grapefruit Moon is an up-to-the-minute, but also timeless coming-of-age story -- heartfelt, gutsy and complex."" -- Sheena Wilkinson, author of Hope against Hope"

"""Loved this book. So very real with characters to root for."" * ***** reader review * ""Particularly sharp observations on class in Northern Ireland."" * Claire Hennessy, The Irish Times * ""This excellent Northern Irish YA coming of age novel follows the two main character’s lives as they struggle to work out who they are and what they stand for.""  * Sarah Webb, Irish Independent * ""McMillan depicts with clarity the aggressions, small and large, of the classism and patriarchy that wear down their spirits."" * Kirkus Reviews * ""McMillan’s latest is a raw, honest work with nuanced characterization set in a Belfast private school."" * Kirkus Reviews * ""A delicate and candid depiction of two teens’ efforts to shape their uncertain futures while navigating weighty issues."" * Publishers Weekly * ""Emotional, gripping, and so, so real."" * Louise Finch, author of The Eternal Return of Clara Hart * ""Shirley-Anne McMillan's writing is bold, brave and full of integrity. Grapefruit Moon is an up-to-the-minute, but also timeless coming-of-age story – heartfelt, gutsy and complex."" -- Sheena Wilkinson, author of Hope against Hope ""Real. Gritty. Heart-wrenching. Thought-provoking."" * Sue Divin, author of Guard Your Heart and Truth Be Told * ""It is refreshing to read literature for young people coming out of contemporary Northern Ireland ... it is good to see that writers like McMillan are now continuing the canon."" * Books for Keeps * ""A thought-provoking and extremely heartfelt read, well worth checking out."" * Paper Lanterns * ""An incredible and hard-hitting novel ... I binged this book in one sitting."" * Karla's Bookish Life * ""I loved this brilliant YA from the very first page ... I loved the sprinkling of poetry throughout this gripping story too."" * Milo and Gigi's Bookshelf * ""A powerful exploration of the human experience, offering a timely commentary on the complexities of teenage life and the enduring power of resilience and truth. McMillan's masterful storytelling and insightful commentary make this novel a must-read for readers of all ages, especially teens who can better connect with the characters."" * ***** NetGalley reader review * ""This is exciting, gripping and so real!""  * ***** reader review * ""Relatable, exciting and heart-wrenching, this is a book that will stay with you long after you read it (which won't take long as its impossible to put down!)."" -- ***** reader review ""Just beautiful coming of age story."" * ***** reader review * ""This is one young adults and adults won't want to miss."" -- ***** reader review ""Shirley-Anne McMillan's writing is bold, brave and full of integrity. Grapefruit Moon is an up-to-the-minute, but also timeless coming-of-age story -- heartfelt, gutsy and complex.""  * ***** reader review * ""The plot kept me turning the pages and whilst the book addresses some serious current social issues there is plenty of warmth and humour as well. I was moved, entertained and challenged. Highly recommended for young adults and oldies like me too!""  * ***** reader review * ""The characters and the settings were so real and by the end I found myself feeling really sad that the book had come to an end. Everything was so believable and you could picture it as tv series. I thoroughly enjoyed it, read it under a day.""  * ***** reader review * ""Brilliant, well fleshed out characters and I can completely imagine it all happening in real life. Actually made me cry! It was so moving.""  * ***** reader review * ""A fantastic read."" * ***** reader review *"

Author Information

Shirley-Anne McMillan is a writer from Northern Ireland. Her books include the novels The Unknowns, described by the Irish Times as, ‘a thought-provoking and hopeful read from a writer to watch’ and Every Sparrow Falling (‘An addictive read’- The Irish Independent). Shirley-Anne has worked as a teacher, an Online Writer in Residence for the Irish Writers Centre, a youth worker with LGBTQ young people and a creative writing tutor. She lives in Co. Down with her family and in her free time she loves playing the guitar and knitting.

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